FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Germany vs Iceland: Germany defeated Iceland 3-0 as Goretzka, Havertz, and Gundogan all got their names on the scoresheet.
It was Germany’s first game in 2021 and first under Joachim Löw since his announcement that he would be stepping down from his role as head coach following this summer’s Euros. His side showed they want to send the World Cup-winning coach out in style with two goals in the opening seven minutes.
The first was created right from the Allianz Arena, as Joshua Kimmich chipped a ball in behind the Iceland defence for Serge Gnabry, who played it back for Goretzka to fire home inside three minutes.
Germany vs Iceland: Four minutes later and the lead was doubled when Kimmich played Leroy Sane in down the left and his cut-back was slotted away across goal by Kai Havertz.
It was an outstanding start which continued throughout a first half dominated by Germany. Goretzka headed wide at the near post while Havertz shot past the post as chances continued to come, while Iceland had their first and the only effort on goal of the opening period with 25 minutes played as Runar Sigurjonsson had a shot blocked wide off Antonio Rüdiger.
The Chelsea defender had a big chance to make it three before the break but headed wide from Kimmich’s cross.
The Germans will now face Romania on the 29th of March.
Goals:
2′: Leon Goretzka, Assist: Serge Gnabry
7′: Kai Havertz, Assist: Leroy Sane
56′: Ilkay Gundogan, Assist: Serge Gnabry
Germany vs Iceland Match stats
- Musiala made his international debut for Germany. The 18-year-old represented Germany twice at the U16 level. He won 21 youth caps for England, scoring 10 goals.
- Germany went into a two-goal lead in a competitive game in the fastest time for 52 years. In May 1969, Gerd Mülller and Wolfgang Overath scored inside five minutes of a World Cup qualifier against Cyprus.
- Löw has overseen 189 games as Germany head coach, including 31 matches across three World Cup qualifying campaigns (W28, D3).
- Wirtz has played for Germany’s U15s, 16s, 17s, and 21s, earning three caps for the latter as recently as October-November 2020.
- Gnabry is Germany’s highest-scoring player in the period since the 2018 World Cup, with 11 goals in 16 appearances.
- Germany is four-time World Cup champions. They have never failed to qualify for a finals
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