Joachim Löw made reached 100 wins for Germany in his 150th in charge with a 3-1 win over Cameroon on Sunday evening to take them to the Confederations Cup semi-finals, where they will play Mexico on Thursday.
Despite a shaky first-half, Kerem Demirbay opened the scoring for Germany just after the break before Timo Werner scored his first in a Germany shirt with 23 minutes left to play.
Vincent Aboubakar’s goal for Cameroon with 20 minutes left to play made it a nervy finish to a tight game but Werner eased those nerves with his second of the evening eight minutes from time.
Marc-André ter Stegen – 6
Despite the majority of possession in the first-half, Cameroon were unable to test the Barcelona stopper until just before the break, when Zambo Anguissa forced the 25-year-old into making a fine save. Ter-Stegen ought to have done better with Aboubakar’s header to get Cameroon back into the game.
Antonio Rüdiger – 6
A relatively easy evening for the AS Roma defender. Little to make note of whilst being able to keep Cameroon from taking the lead in the first-half.
Matthias Ginter – 5
Defensively sound despite Cameroon not creating enough clear cut chances. Needlessly gave the ball away with long, wayward balls forward.
Niklas Süle – 6
Playing just his second game for Germany, the now Bayern Munich defender put ter-Stegen under-pressure after Germany had taken the lead. Some first-half nerves but redeemed himself in the closing stages as Cameroon looked to pull a goal back.
Emre Can – 7
Playing further forward than his role at Liverpool, Emre Can is a hard-worker which was evident in his game vs Cameroon. The 23-year-old pulled his shot just wide midway through the first-half whilst he had a chance to double Germany’s lead in the second, forcing a save from Fabrice Ondoa.
Joshua Kimmich – 8
The man tasked with taking on many roles. Playing at right wing-back, Joshua Kimmich also covered the space in midfield as he provided balance to Joachim Löw’s Germany side. His willingness to get into the final-third didn’t go unnoticed, as shown in his assist for Timo Werner’s first goal.
Julian Draxler (C) – 7
Made captain by Joachim Löw for the Confederations Cup, Julian Draxler is a wonderful player to watch when in the mood. At just 23, the PSG man has a long future ahead of him at international level, whilst his assist for Kerem Demirbay was sublime backheel
Kerem Demirbay – 8
The Hoffenheim playmaker has certainly warranted a call-up following his form for Hoffenheim this season. Impressive against Cameroon, Kerem Demirbay doubled Germany’s lead on his first international start with a well-executed strike into the corner from 25 yards.
Marvin Plattenhardt – 6
On a different day, the Hertha BSC defender may have notched an assist. An understudy to Cologne’s Jonas Hector, Marvin Plattenhardt can be a great asset to Germany from set-pieces with his ferocious left-foot.
Sebastian Rudy – 6
Always there when needed, Sebastian Rudy is there to sweep up any mistakes. The now Bayern Munich versatile midfielder did his job on Sunday evening without making any errors.
Timo Werner – 8
An outstanding season for RB Leipzig made Timo Werner Germany’s top scorer at domestic level, but playing on the international stage is taking some adjusting to. A slow start
Substitutes
Benjamin Henrichs – 7
Replaced Sebastian Rudy to assist Timo Werner’s second goal of the evening following a darting run. A big future ahead of him at international level.
Julian Brandt – 6
Playing his part in Werner’s second goal, Julian Brandt played the ball to fellow Bayer Leverkusen teammate Henrichs whilst forcing Ondoa into making a save following his introduction.
Amin Younes – N/A
Little time to make an impact, Amin Younes managed to get a shot towards goal, pulling it just wide.
