Stuttgart's Jamie Leweling scored on his international debut as Germany edged out the Netherlands in Munich to secure their spot in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.
After being handed his Germany debut, Leweling thought he had made a dream start to his international career when he fired a deflected shot past Bart Verbruggen, only to see the early strike chalked off for an offside in the build-up.
Julian Nagelsmann's side continued to offer the greater threat in the first period, with Maximilian Mittelstadt forcing Verbruggen into a firm stop while Leweling saw another effort kept out by Stefan de Vrij's goalline clearance.
Leweling may have experienced a frustrating first period, but his mood drastically improved when he produced a thumping strike to grab a deserved goal just after the hour mark.
After falling behind, the Netherlands made a desperate effort to salvage a point, with RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons rattling the crossbar with a thunderous long-range strike.
Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen then forced a late save from Oliver Baumann, who protected his goal to record a clean sheet in his first international appearance.
Germany took their tally to 10 points from five matches, leaving them five points clear of the Netherlands and Hungary in second and third place respectively.
As a result, the hosts are guaranteed a top-two finish, while Ronald Koeman's charges have work to do if they are to join Germany in the last eight.
GERMANY VS. NETHERLANDS HIGHLIGHTS
Leweling disallowed goal vs. Netherlands (2nd min, Germany 0-0 Netherlands)
Leweling thinks he has given Germany an early lead. Joshua Kimmich attempts to flick the ball into Serge Gnabry's path. Although the pass fails to find Gnabry, Micky van de Ven's error allows the Bayern winger to steal possession to tee up Leweling. The 23-year-old fires his deflected effort past Verbruggen, only to see his effort ruled off for an offside against Gnabry in the build-up.
Leweling goal vs. Netherlands (64th min, Germany 1-0 Netherlands)
This one will not be ruled out. Tim Kleindienst rises high to meet a near-post corner, before seeing his header blocked inadvertently by his teammate Nico Schlotterbeck. However, Leweling is on hand to latch onto the loose ball, rifling a fierce shot into the top corner to open his international account.
MAN OF THE MATCH - JAMIE LEWELING
© Imago
Leweling enjoyed a dream international debut despite seeing his early strike ruled out for an offside against Gnabry in the build-up to his deflected strike.
The Stuttgart attacker showed great character and persistence to keep searching for his dream goal which finally arrived in the 64th minute.
The 23-year-old showcased his goalscoring instincts to fire an unstoppable strike into the top corner after he pounced onto a loose ball in the box.
Leweling offered a constant threat throughout his impressive performance before he was replaced in the 87th minute by Robin Gosens.
GERMANY VS. NETHERLANDS MATCH STATS
Possession: Germany 49%-51% Netherlands
Shots: Germany 13-3 Netherlands
Shots on target: Germany 5-1 Netherlands
Corners: Germany 4-3 Netherlands
Fouls: Germany 10-10 Netherlands
BEST STATS
34y, 131d - Aged 34 years and 131 days, Oliver Baumann is the second-oldest DFB debutant (after Matthias Mauritz) in the post-war era and the oldest goalkeeper to make his debut in DFB history. Latecomer. #GERNED pic.twitter.com/GVa4QJ3Cg0
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) October 14, 2024
24 - With an average age of 24 years and 100 days, @OnsOranje have named their youngest starting XI since May 2017 (23y, 324d v Morocco) and the youngest in a competitive match since September 2012 (24y, 59d v Hungary). Verve. pic.twitter.com/TQvr5zUaCL
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) October 14, 2024
0 – The Netherlands have failed to attempt a single shot in a first half of a game for the first time since June 2019 (v Portugal) and recorded just one touch in the opposition box before half-time for the first time since August 2017 (v France). Harmless. pic.twitter.com/DPjEAEpGn0
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) October 14, 2024
1 - Jamie Leweling is the first debutant under Julian Nagelsmann to score in his first appearance for Germany - Niclas Füllkrug was the last player to achieve this in the DFB team was in 2022. Start. #GERNED pic.twitter.com/qLEZb57YuP
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) October 14, 2024
WHAT NEXT?
Next month, Germany will conclude their League A campaign with a home match against Bosnia-Herzegovina and an away meeting with Hungary.
As for the Netherlands, they will play host to Hungary on November 16, before they travel to Bosnia three days later for their final group match.
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