In a comfortable 4-0 victory, Germany secured a decisive win against Finland in their penultimate friendly before the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Deniz Undav and Lennart Karl delivered standout performances, earning top marks.
Deniz Undav opened the scoring with a well-executed header from a clever corner routine (34′) and later provided the assist for Florian Wirtz’s second goal (48′). Unfortunately, Undav sustained an injury while scoring Germany’s third goal (57′) and had to be substituted. Jamal Musiala rounded off the scoring with the fourth goal. Late in the game, substitutes Maximilian Beier and Nadiem Amiri both missed opportunities to increase the lead.
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Oliver Baumann
Recently overlooked but now back as Germany’s number one due to Manuel Neuer’s fitness concerns, Baumann had little to do against the Finns but exuded confidence throughout. Rating: 3.5
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Joshua Kimmich
Playing as a right-back for the national team under Nagelsmann, Kimmich was also designated as the primary corner-taker on the right side. However, Lennart Karl’s quick and short corner in the 34th minute allowed Kimmich ample time and space to deliver the cross for Undav’s opening goal. This tactical variation, developed by Mads Budgereit, proved highly effective. Kimmich demonstrated his influence by being the player with the most touches despite his nominal defensive role. Rating: 2.5
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Jonathan Tah
With minimal defensive pressure, Tah occasionally joined the offensive play. His performance was flawless, though perhaps a pattern without significant challenge. Rating: 3
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Nico Schlotterbeck
Facing a weak Finnish attack, Schlotterbeck experienced no significant difficulties, maintaining his defensive position diligently. Rating: 3.5
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Nathaniel Brown
Given the preference over David Raum, as he was against Ghana, the Frankfurt left-back once again impressed. While he had little defensive work to do, Brown showcased why reported interest from Bayern Munich might be justified. Rating: 2.5
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Aleksandar Pavlovic
Despite an early foul, Pavlovic remained a key figure in midfield, orchestrating many of Germany’s attacking moves, boasting more touches than Joshua Kimmich and second most on the field. He celebrated Undav’s second goal with a punch and later showcased his vision by taking the ball from Karl and passing to Musiala for the fourth goal. His performance was commanding. Rating: 2
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Felix Nmecha
Primarily a strong tackler in the first half, Nmecha demonstrated his ability to quickly transition from defense to attack before the third goal. His interception and pass to Lennart Karl initiated the move that led to the 3-0. Rating: 3.5
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Lennart Karl
Nagelsmann’s description of Karl as a «good player in a good team» proved accurate as he started and showcased remarkable energy. He linked up effectively with Musiala and Wirtz, took corners, and even tracked back to prevent a counter-attack. Even as other attackers faded, Karl remained prominent. His quick corner led to the first goal, and his precise pass set up Undav for the third. His form suggests a strong claim for a World Cup starting spot. Rating: 1.5
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Jamal Musiala
Musiala started the match with enthusiasm and had an early chance, though he, like others, became less involved later in the first half. He capped off a sequence involving Karl and Pavlovic to score the fourth goal and had another opportunity to extend the lead. Rating: 2.5
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Florian Wirtz
Wirtz initiated play with a beautiful pass to Nmecha in the ninth minute, though it went unconverted. He delivered several elegant passes but also lost possession frequently and was less dynamic than Karl. He scored the second goal, assisted by Undav’s pressing, and departed in the 73rd minute with a successful outing. Rating: 3
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Deniz Undav
Given a start in the absence of Kai Havertz, Undav initially missed a clear chance. However, he quickly redeemed himself, scoring the opening goal with a header from a well-worked corner and then providing a crucial assist for Wirtz’s goal with strong pressing. He showcased his physicality in scoring the third goal before being substituted due to injury. With two goals and an assist before the 70th minute, Undav demonstrated his versatility and effectiveness as a striker for the German team. A further apology to Nagelsmann for his initial doubts might be in order after this performance. Rating: 1
Germany Player Ratings vs. Finland: Substitutes
Maximilian Beier: Came on for Undav and missed a late chance to score Germany’s fifth goal. Rating: 3.5
Nick Woltemade: Replaced Lennart Karl and had a quiet game. No rating.
Leroy Sane: Substituted Wirtz and nearly assisted Musiala’s goal. No rating.
Nadiem Amiri: Played in his hometown and had a late chance to score the fifth goal.