VfB Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling was the sparking hero for Germany at the Allianz Arena as his late goal gave Die Mannschaft a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League, stamping Germany’s place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Julian Nagelsmann has not been spoiled for choice with selections for his squad for the pair of matches during the October international break due to the amount of injuries to some of the usual suspects for the national team, but Leweling proved there are other names that can be counted on in a time of need.
Leweling also had a goal controversially ruled out for an offside call after video review in the 4th minute of play when a combination between a pair of Bayern Munich players was judged to have been the infringement. Joshua Kimmich’s touch to Serge Gnabry in the buildup to Leweling’s strike was ruled to have shown Gnabry in an offside position, but even video replays made it rather difficult to see that to actually have been the case and Kimmich’s remonstrations to the official perhaps represented what the majority of Germany fans were feeling once the decision was made.
Persistence paid off in the end, though, and Leweling’s finish in the 64th minute proved to be the ultimate difference maker for what has been a Germany side without a plethora of stars during this international break. The Stuttgart man did exceptionally well with his technique to hammer home the loose ball that had last touched Nico Schlotterbeck after Tim Kleindienst’s header had been saved from close range by Bart Verbruggen — the Dutch keeper was absolutely rooted to the spot when Leweling made connection with his thunderous strike.
Speaking after the match, Kimmich was full of praise for Leweling, who could not have marked his Germany debut in a better way. “We’re very happy, we’re very proud of the performance today. Jamie has to be singled out today, not just because of his goal, he put in an outstanding performance,” Germany’s captain explained to German television after the final whistle (via BuliNews).
Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
“It’s not often you get a standing ovation at the Allianz Arena on your debut,” Kimmich enthusiastically added. When the 23-year-old was replaced by Robin Gosens in the 87th minute of play, the fans inside Bayern’s historic home venue showed their appreciation for not only his winning goal, but overall performance that he put forth.
For the next international break for the next round of Nations League matches, Nagelsmann will certainly have to consider Leweling’s name for when it comes time to pick a roster, even if the likes of Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Niclas Füllkrug, and Denis Undav are all 100% fit and available.
Looking for more thoughts and analysis from Germany’s 1-0 victory over the Netherlands? Awesome, then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show where our Jack Lauschway breaks down the match. Jack gives you all the analysis you need from the game, along with where the German national team might be headed. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, and below:
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