Germany claimed a first win under new coach Jürgen Klopp on Thursday with a 2-0 Nations League victory over Serbia.
Klopp selected a completely new starting XI from the side that lost to Greece last time out, handing debuts to goalkeeper Jonas Urbig and winger Derry Scherhant.
Germany attacked the Serbian goal in waves but it took until the 39th minute to take the lead as Florian Wirtz picked out Tom Bischof to score his first senior national team goal in his second cap. After Nick Woltemade missed a sitter at the back post, Wirtz scored the second just past the hour-mark with a neat finish from the edge of the box.“From the first minute until the final whistle, it was an absolute pleasure to watch the boys play,” Klopp said during the press conference after the match.
“The way they approached the game from the very first second, the way they put the opponent under pressure from the outset, and how, without being perfect, they did so many things right. They executed what we had talked about.
“We said that we could take all the risks in the world if our counter-pressing was operating at the highest level. If that's the case, then losing possession isn't an issue and it isn't a problem. Against a deep-lying block, you're always going to lose balls from time to time.
“The players were tactically disciplined in attack, showing up in the right spaces. And, as I said, our counter-pressing was exceptionally good.”
There will be relief for Klopp to get a win at the third attempt on his return to coaching, and his side were full value for their victory.