Player Ratings | Germany vs. Australia

World Champions Germany had their first taste of the Confederations Cup in Russia as they played Australia in Sochi. Die Mannschaft suffered a couple of scares but eventually ran out 3-2 winners. Here’s how they each fared.

Bernd Leno – 3

The Bayer Leverkusen man was chosen in lieu of the injured Manuel Neuer, but was unable to fill his admittedly large boots. Leno was at fault for the first goal as Tom Rogic’s shot squirmed underneath him, while his fumble led to the second Australian goal as Tomi Juric put home the rebound. With a performance like that, Leno will be worrying about his place for the next game.

Joshua Kimmich – 8

Joshua Kimmich’s meteoric rise continues as he takes up the mantle left by Philipp Lahm at right-back. The Bayern Munich youngster was everywhere against Australia, providing support in wide areas and supplying Leon Goretzka for what transpired to be the winner.

Shkodran Mustafi – 6

A solid performance from the Arsenal man despite conceding twice. He looked composed and carried the ball well from deep and was unable to do a lot about either goal.

Antonio Rüdiger – 6

Much like his centre-back partner, Rudiger looked composed on the ball and was able to recycle play which kept Germany on top for much of the game.

Jonas Hector – 7

The Köln left-back was also able to provide ample support in the wide areas and his characteristic work ethic shone throughout both in attack and defence. With playmakers in front of him, he was able to use the width to stretch the Australian defence.

Sebastian Rudy – 6

The new Bayern Munich midfielder put in an unremarkable display but was solid enough – a few stray passes and wayward shots prevents him from getting a higher score. However, his stability at the heart of midfield was impressive and he always made himself available.

Lars Stindl – 6

Stindl took his goal well and supported the attack well, but never looked anything more than capable – unlike his more creative and fluid attacking teammates such as Brandt and Goretzka.

Leon Goretzka – 9

The man of the match. Goretzka was everywhere – up and down the pitch, providing balls into the middle and running onto deliveries in equal measure as well as bagging himself a well-taken goal. If Bayern’s interest in the Schalke man had cooled, it should be heating up after this performance.

Julian Brandt – 7

Provided the assist for Stindl’s goal and was involved in some neat interchanges as well as positional changes. Germany look a lot more fluent with Brandt on the ball.

Sandro Wagner – 5

Was unable to get the better of the Australian centre halves and overall struggled to get into the game before being withdrawn.

Julian Draxler – 6

Perked up in the second half and, as always, was very neat and tidy on the ball. However, he was at some fault for the first goal after being caught in possession.

Substitutes:
Timo Werner – 6

His movement ensured he fared rather better than Wagner but still struggled somewhat to truly impose himself.

Niklas Sule – 6

Performed well after being introduced following the second Australian goal. Slipped into a back three with the other centre halves, so if nothing else provides Löw with another tactical option.

Emre Can – n/a

Played just 12 minutes to lock down the game.

 

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