After the DFB team had still struggled in the game against Liechtenstein, they showed a completely different face against Armenia. For national coach Hansi Flick, the team now has to be measured against Sunday’s performance.
During the cheering round through the Stuttgart stadium, the national soccer players looked into many beaming faces and shining eyes. They enjoyed “the extraordinary atmosphere”, as midfielder Leon Goretzka said after the appealing 6-0 in front of 18,086 spectators, who were allowed to be in the stands due to the relaxed corona rules. The fans started singing long-missed “Oh how is that beautiful” chants.
“That was fun, and even more so for me in my hometown,” said two-time goalscorer Serge Gnabry. “We take the euphoria with us.” Hansi Flick also “liked” the promising soccer show on his home debut as national coach, as he said. It was the first small scented brand of active, determined and offensive football rewarded with half a dozen goals, which, as in his time at Bayern, should lead to great successes. “That is the benchmark for now,” said Flick of the team in the dressing room after the game. A start has been made, a process initiated. “We have a lot to do,” said Flick.
DFB team now leads qualification group
First of all, the leap to the top of the table in the qualification group was successful. With twelve points, Germany is now ahead at the halfway point of the World Cup elimination, two points ahead of Armenia. Shortly after the final whistle, the 56-year-old national coach reminded that there was still a task to be solved against Iceland next Wednesday (8.45 p.m. / RTL) in Reykjavik. “It’s just important to deliver when it counts,” said Flick.
In the face of overwhelmed Armenians who offered plenty of space, the German offensive players in particular were able to show what they can do. How lost the goal poverty that still prevailed in the 2-0 win against Liechtenstein. Gnabry opened the door with his early double pack. Timo Werner, Marco Reus as well as Jonas Hofmann from Gladbach and the Salzburg national team newcomer Karim Adeyemi, each with their first international goals, made strong gains.
“Madness” against Armenia
“It’s amazing that I’m here. A beautiful day,” said 19-year-old center forward Adeyemi beaming. The goals were not stabbed, but mostly finely combined.
“It’s just important that we perform consistently at a high level,” warned Goretzka after the promising 90 minutes. Flick expects that too. “The view goes to Iceland,” said the national coach. He plans to fly to Reykjavik on Tuesday with all 25 players in the squad. Kai Havertz (infection) and Robin Gosens (injury to the foot), who were missing against Armenia, should then be ready for action again.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
