Germany secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Switzerland in their penultimate pre-World Cup friendly, largely thanks to a magnificent performance by Florian Wirtz, who was directly involved in all four goals. However, concerns arose regarding the German central defense, which committed several errors throughout the match.
Germany Player Ratings and Individual Critiques
Oliver Baumann
Oliver Baumann was helpless against all conceded goals and showed some instability with his footwork. Grade: 3.5
Joshua Kimmich
Captain Joshua Kimmich adopted a more attacking role than anticipated, actively participating in build-up play and moving centrally with possession. He delivered dangerous crosses and consistently pushed forward. While he put in a strong defensive effort, his offensive drive left significant gaps behind him, notably contributing to the first goal conceded. Grade: 3
Jonathan Tah
Jonathan Tah started well defensively, keeping things tight. He was perfectly positioned to head in Wirtz’s cross for the 1-1 equalizer. However, he struggled with the 1-2, initially tracking Embolo but then losing him, allowing a free header. Grade: 3.5
Nico Schlotterbeck
Nico Schlotterbeck displayed uncharacteristic weaknesses in his build-up play, notably with a critical misplaced pass leading to the 0-1 goal. He also lost possession carelessly before another conceded goal and made several other erroneous passes. This performance likely left Antonio Rüdiger feeling confident about his own chances. Grade: 5
David Raum
David Raum’s usually potent crosses from the left flank were largely ineffective. However, he made a crucial defensive block against Manzambi in the 52nd minute, preventing a potential goal. His low cross to Goretzka nearly resulted in a score. Grade: 3
Leon Goretzka
Leon Goretzka was largely absent in the first half but became more influential after the break, creating goal-scoring opportunities. His shot in the 54th minute just missed the post. He was too weak in his challenge against Monteiro, which led to the 3-3 equalizer. Grade: 4
Angelo Stiller
Angelo Stiller, a late call-up, made his debut from the start. He was too passive in the build-up to Dan Ndoye’s goal, retreating deep into his own box and unable to intervene. This was his only notable misstep. Grade: 3
Serge Gnabry
Serge Gnabry had a quiet start but had a significant chance in the 14th minute, which was blocked by Widmer. Just before halftime, he converted a superb pass from Wirtz to equalize at 2-2. Grade: 2.5
Leroy Sane
Leroy Sane attempted many actions, frequently cutting inside, but with limited success. He was substituted for Woltemade in the 62nd minute. Grade: 4
Florian Wirtz
The Bayer Leverkusen star clearly enjoyed his time on the pitch, delivering an almost flawless performance and undoubtedly being Germany’s best player of the evening. Engaged from the start, he was constantly on the move, nearly impossible to dispossess, created numerous opportunities, and assisted both German goals. His pass to Gnabry for the 2-2 equalizer was a pure delight. He then capped off his stellar display with a spectacular goal for 3-2, hitting the ball with topspin off the crossbar and into the net. Not content, he sealed the 4-3 victory with another magnificent curler just before full-time. Overall, a world-class showing. Grade: 1
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz once again impressed with excellent runs and combinations. However, his finishing was often lacking, as evidenced by a shot too central in the 12th minute and too high in the 36th. Grade: 2.5
Substitutes
Lennart Karl (from 63rd minute)
Made his debut for the senior national team and immediately delivered a very solid performance. He brought pace down the right wing and was instrumental in setting up the 4-3 winning goal. Grade: 2.5
Nick Woltemade (from 63rd minute)
Replaced Sane and immediately posed a threat, though his promising header went over the crossbar. Grade: 3
Anton Stach (from 80th minute)
Earned his third cap for the DFB squad, coming on for Goretzka. No rating.
Pascal Groß (from 80th minute)
Replaced Stiller and had an unremarkable ten minutes on the pitch. No rating.