Julian Nagelsmann’s new experience in charge of the German national team began on Saturday with a 3-1 win over the United States in a friendly match in East Hartford, Connecticut, with Barcelona’s Ilkay Gundogan leading Germany’s comeback.
Germany automatically qualified for the 2024 European Cup finals, which it will host, and chose the United States to begin its preparations under the leadership of Nagelsmann, overcoming a brilliant early goal from Christian Pulisic with goals from Gundogan, Niklas Wolkrug and Jamal Musiala.
The former Bayern Munich and Leipzig coach, who was appointed the twelfth German coach last September after the departure of Hansi Flick, received positive feedback from his veteran players, led by Gundogan, and also from young men like Musiala, Fadl Alam, and Thomas Muller, who is asking to lead a new tournament after the results. The last negative.
Less than a year ago, Germany exited the World Cup finals in Qatar in the group stage, achieving its second consecutive exit at that stage of the tournament after Russia 2018.
The generational change is not entirely convincing, but while waiting for more brilliance on the field, the German team was able to celebrate the three points.
It was not a comfortable victory. In the rain at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Nagelsmann’s side tried to gain possession, but the United States out-powered them and, after saving themselves from a shot that hit the post from Pascal Gross, took the lead in the 27th minute with a stunning goal from Christian Pulisic.
The AC Milan winger, who had just given the ‘Rossoneri’ victory in Genoa in the Italian League, curled a right-footed shot into the top corner after dribbling Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger and celebrated his fourth goal in the last five matches. International matches..
Marc-Andre ter Stegen had no options, as he once again defended Germany’s goal against the United States on American soil. He also did so ten years ago in Washington, when he scored an own goal in a 4-3 loss.
Germany faced difficult times at times, but before the end of the first half, Gundungan took advantage of a loose ball inside the penalty area after an attempt by Leroy Sane was blocked by goalkeeper Matt Turner, to equalize.
This goal broke the rhythm of the United States and restored spirit to Germany, which dominated the second half and scored two goals in three minutes at the hour mark to seal the victory.
Volkrug put the Germans ahead with his eighth international goal in the 58th minute, and in the 61st minute Musiala converted a hat-trick with the Borussia Dortmund striker to make it 3-1. The 20-year-old midfielder had not scored as an international for two years when he scored against Macedonia.
The United States could not respond, and Germany, in which Kai Havertz, Leon Goretzka and Muller were seen on the field, defended a good victory.
Germany is now awaiting a new friendly match on American soil, on October 17, against Mexico in Philadelphia. The United States will face Ghana on the same day in another friendly match.
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