Germany’s narrow win over Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier proved a trying affair with plenty of languid play from the eventual winners. At the end of the day, however, the three points gained mattered much more than the way the points were attained. Moreover, the scoresheet offered up something positive for Germany moving forward.
German national team returnee Leroy Sané was involved in both of Germany’s goals. Sané officially registered an assist on Nick Woltemade’s 49th-minute 1-0. Sané delivered the ball in from the right on Woltemade’s 2-0 twenty minutes later; a sharp piece-of-play that enabled Sané’s fellow DFB-returnee Ridle Baku to pick up an assist.
Sané received plenty of praise afterwards from Germany national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann, brace-scorer Woltemade, and starting left back David Raum. Prior to kickoff, Nagelsmann expressed full faith in the 29-year-old to deliver when tasked with the “challenge” of returning to the DFB starting XI. Nagelsmann congratulated Sané for fulfilling his expectations once the match was complete.
“He had two good moves that led to two goals,” Nagelsmann remarked at the post-match press conference. “He also had a few moments in the first half. He did an outstanding job on the first goal. His first-touch was excellent, controlling the ball like that and then immediately playing it into the box with his right foot, He did that very, very well and played a good game.”
“I was serviced well twice,” Woltemade added in the mixed zone. “It wasn’t the best game from a player’s perspective, but we got stuck in much better during the second half. Ultimately, I don’t care if it’s Nick Woltemade scoring three times or Leroy Sané twice.“
“When it comes to Leroy Sané, it shouldn’t come as a surprise,” Raum added in his mixed zone interview. “He possesses amazing qualities. On an individual level, he’s one of the best technical players that we have. He can help us out a lot and I’m happy for him.”
“I’m pleased that I could repay his [Nagelsmman’s] trust in me with an assist,” Sané himself said in the mixed zone. “Julian knows exactly how I tick and knows how to deal with me. He gives me plenty of respect, but also plenty of ‘tough love’ at times.”
