Germany have made a good start to the last Nations League phase in 2026, beating Serbia 3-1 in a rain-soaked contest. Goals from Wirtz and debutant Gruda mean that Germany still have the chance to top their Nations League group.
The unusual behind-closed-doors atmosphere has seen selected groups of children under 15 admitted alongside teachers and football coaches following UEFA sanctions against Serbia for discrimination. However, the game still delivered on the entertainment front.
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Here is our full match report:
Match report: Serbia vs. Germany
Jürgen Klopp’s side needed just two minutes to break the deadlock, with Kai Havertz getting on the end of a corner before his attempt was deflected into the net by Srdan Babić for an own goal.
Germany doubled their advantage in the 14th minute following a brilliant, Klopp-esque pressing sequence. Aleksandar Pavlović played a superb through ball to Havertz, whose effort was denied by goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić. Florian Wirtz reacted quickest to the rebound and calmly chipped the ball into the net.
Germany dominated the remainder of the first half, enjoying 75% possession and completing 94% of their passes. Their superiority continued after the break, with Brajan Gruda capping a fantastic solo run with a clinical finish in the 50th minute to make it 3-0.
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Serbia responded just six minutes later. Babić made amends for his earlier own goal by reacting quickest after Stefan Gudelj’s header from a free kick was saved, converting the rebound to give the hosts a lifeline.
Joshua Kimmich thought he had restored Germany’s three-goal advantage shortly afterwards with a powerful low strike from the edge of the box. However, the goal was correctly ruled out due to Kai Havertz’s passive offside position.
Derry Scherhant, one of Germany’s standout performers under Klopp so far, had enjoyed a relatively quiet evening but came close to scoring in the 70th minute. After cutting inside from the left, his effort beat the goalkeeper but struck the woodwork.
Serbia substitute Aleksandar Mitrović also came close to scoring, but Marc-André ter Stegen stood firm to keep his effort out. Things then went from bad to worse for the hosts as Vanja Dragojevic received a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Germany captain Joshua Kimmich, accidentally standing on his ankle.
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Dragojević was not the only Serbian to leave the pitch early. Substitute Andrija Zivković also saw red after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession following an animated exchange with the referee shortly before full-time.
Klopp used the opportunity to introduce several other Bundesliga names, including Niclas Füllkrug, Felix Nmecha and Said El Mala. However, none managed to make a significant impact during their limited time on the pitch. They could get another opportunity when Germany face the Netherlands on Monday.
The match also marked a historic first for Germany, with Kimmich and Pavlović starting together as a double pivot for the first time. The partnership showed plenty of promise and could become a regular feature under Klopp.
Finally, it was also Germany’s last appearance in their long-standing partnership with Adidas. Given the convincing performance, it was certainly a fitting farewell.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: Sports.yahoo.com
