Germany beats Luxembourg 4-0 in World Cup qualification
The German national team won 4-0 against Luxembourg in World Cup qualification. Despite initial problems in the group stage, the team capitalized on a numerical advantage after a red card and secured a clear victory. Coach Julian Nagelsmann praised the team's improvement.
The World Cup qualifier took place on Friday at Sinsheim Arena with 25,249 spectators. Germany dominated from the start and took an early lead. In the 12th minute, left-back David Raum scored his first international goal from a free kick. Shortly after, in the 21st minute, Luxembourg defender Dirk Carlson blocked a shot from Serge Gnabry with his upper arm—red card and penalty for Germany. Joshua Kimmich converted confidently to make it 2-0.
After the break, Germany extended the lead. Serge Gnabry scored in the 48th minute after winning the ball, and Kimmich made it 4-0 two minutes later. Luxembourg coach Jeff Strasser, a former Bundesliga pro, focused on damage control, but the numerical advantage proved decisive. Nagelsmann made early substitutions to conserve energy for the next match.
Nagelsmann had moved Kimmich back to right defense, despite earlier announcements. Five Bayern players started: Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Leon Goretzka, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Gnabry. Kimmich said: 'I'm completely indifferent to it. The coach can decide.' Raum emphasized: 'It was important that we were there from the start, went into an early lead. We were sharp when we lost the ball.' Nagelsmann praised: 'It was a clear improvement in terms of hunger.'
With the win and Slovakia's parallel loss to Northern Ireland, Germany now leads Group A. The away game in Belfast follows on Monday.