Germany holds on to beat Ukraine for 1st Nations League win

Germany finally won a Nations League game at seventh attempt on Saturday, holding on to beat Ukraine 2-1 to ease pressure growing on coach Joachim Löw.

Defender Matthias Ginter and midfielder Leon Gortezka scored to give Löw’s team its first win in Group 4 of League A, its first of year, and coming after three games including friendly against Turkey in which it squandered les to draw.

A late penalty from Ruslan Malivskyi ensured ar nervy ending, but a Ukraine side depleted by coronavirus cases and injuries was unable to draw level. Andriy Shevchenko’s side was thrashed by France 7-1 in ir friendly on Wednesday.

After drawing with Turkey 3-3 in Cologne same day, Löw restored his regular players in Kyiv, building team around Bayern Munich “block” of Manuel Neuer, Niklas Süle, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry. Leipzig’s Lukas Klostermann and Marcel Halstenberg, and Real Mrid midfielder Toni Kroos also returned to starting lineup.

ne of m were involved in opening goal, however, down to good work from defender Antonio Rüdiger, who beat his marker and crossed low for Ginter to convert at far post in 20th minute. Gnabry tried a back-heel but failed to connect fully before ball reached Ginter.

It was far from convincing from visitors, who remained prone to mistakes under pressure from home side.

A miscued back-pass from Ginter would likely have been punished by Shevchenko in his prime, but Milan great, w Ukraine coach, could urge his makeshift team only from sideline.

Heorhiy Bushchan produced a fine save to stop a dipping shot from Kimmich, n a heer from Gnabry, though Germany’s mistakes in buildup play continued.

A mistake from Bushchan gifted visitors ir second goal in 49th. Klostermann’s cross was simple for goalkeeper to gar, but he dropped ball for grateful Goretzka to he in.

Süle conceded a penalty with a mistimed challenge on Roman Yaremchuk, and Malivskyi converted from spot to give hosts hope in 77th.

This time, Germany held on.

Im credits: AP