Germany (National Football)

Germany booked their place in the final of the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship on Thursday by beating Romania 4-2 in a thriller at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in Bologna, Italy.  

A fast-paced first half saw Germany take the lead after 21 minutes through Nadiem Amiri. The Hoffenheim midfielder broke forward and rifled a low strike past goalkeeper Andrei Radu.

Their lead lasted only five minutes, with Romania hitting back after being awarded a penalty for a foul by Timo Baumgartl on Ianis Hagi. George Puscas managed to squeeze his spot-kick past Alexander Nubel for the equaliser.

Puscas added his second of the game just before half-time, directing a powerful header home from Andrei Ivan's left-wing cross.

Germany levelled the match within minutes of the restart from the penalty spot. Luca Waldschmidt squeezed a penalty past Radu after Hagi was penalised for a tug on Mahmoud Dahoud.

Waldschmidt then fired Germany in front with a low free-kick in the 90th minute before Amiri added a fourth in stoppage time to seal his team's spot in the final.

Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah was fit to start for Germany, while Amiri replaced Marco Richter in the starting XI. Romania named a strong team featuring star forwards Hagi and Puscas:

🗒️ Team news from Renato Dall'Ara...#U21EURO #GERROU pic.twitter.com/0KcZHi9stk

— UEFA U21 EURO (@UEFAUnder21) June 27, 2019

Goal's Mark Doyle noted the high temperatures in Italy before kick-off:

In the words of Father Jack Hackett, "More water!" It's 38 degrees in Bologna - just 10 minutes ahead of kick-off. Makes you wonder what Qatar 2022 will be like... dangerous, probably. #U21EURO #GER #GERROM pic.twitter.com/JlgY6aiG5I

— Mark Doyle (@Mark_Doyle11) June 27, 2019

The heat meant the game was punctuated by cooling breaks, but despite the temperature, the two teams played out a thrilling first half.

Germany started well and took the lead from a swift counter-attack. The team won possession in midfield and fed Amiri, who raced forward and fizzed a low shot past Radu:

That’s Amiri at his best. Stunning. If he can produce that kind of run more often, what a player he’ll be. #GERROU

— Kevin Hatchard 🎙⚽️ (@kevinhatchard) June 27, 2019

Romania came back strongly and were gifted the chance to equalise when Baumgartl lunged in on Hagi just inside the penalty area.

Goalkeeper Nubel guessed the right way but still could not prevent Puscas from finding the back of the net.

Romania were the better side after equalising, with Puscas at the heart of all their best moves. The Palermo forward forced Nubel into a good save before heading his team in front after 44 minutes:

🇷🇴 George Puscas at #U21EURO

🇭🇷 | ⚽️
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 | ⚽️
🇩🇪 | ⚽️⚽️

Big name. Big future. pic.twitter.com/VicWnfADpM

— GOAL (@goal) June 27, 2019

He went close to sealing his hat-trick in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Florin Stefan whipped in a cross from the left, but Puscas' effort was well-saved by Nubel.

There was more drama at the start of the second half, as Germany were awarded a penalty for a pull by Hagi on Dahoud at a corner.

Again the goalkeeper went the right way for the penalty, but Radu could not keep Waldschmidt's effort out.

The temperatures took their toll in the second half as the tempo dropped, but Germany had the better chances with Waldschmidt and substitute Lukas Nmecha both firing good opportunities well wide of the target.

The game looked to be headed into extra time until Germany struck twice late on. Waldschmidt grabbed his seventh of the tournament from a free-kick just outside the penalty area:

Gian-Luca Waldschmidt has now scored more #U21EURO goals for Germany (7) than any other player has ever managed.

At the double against Romania. pic.twitter.com/fsQah8n3Gv

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 27, 2019

Nmecha then won another free-kick in a similar position after being pulled back by Alex Pascanu, who saw red for the challenge.

Amiri made no mistake with his set piece, curling his effort around the wall and past the goalkeeper to keep Germany on course to retain their title.

              

What's Next?

Germany must wait to discover who they will play in Sunday's final. Spain take on France in the second semi-final on Thursday.

Germany drew 1-1 against Austria on Sunday to win Group B at the 2019 UEFA Under-21 Euros with an unbeaten record and advance to the semi-finals.

Luca Waldschmidt got the breakthrough to score for the third match running, but Kevin Danso equalised from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Alexander Nubel gave away a penalty shortly after.

The defending champions failed to score in the second half and dropped points for the first time this tournament. Denmark beat Serbia 2-0 in Group B's other fixture to finish second, though they won't secure the best runner-up spot due to having a worse goal difference than Italy, who came second in Group A.

Waldschmidt came into Sunday's fixture already leading the scorer charts with four goals, and it took him only 14 minutes to increase his tally.

Shaping up from around 35 yards out and with hardly any wind-up, the Freiburg forward unleashed a hellish shot into the top-right corner that left captain Alexander Schlager grasping at thin air, via Sky Sports (UK only):

How about this for a finish from Luca Waldschmidt! 🚀

Watch #AUTGER in the #U21EURO live on Sky Sports Football NOW!

📺 #DENSRB is live on Sky Sports PL pic.twitter.com/Apl9DzUmfg

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 23, 2019

Bayern Munich media's Cristian Nyari predicted a Golden Boot awaits the 23-year-old:

OMG

Waldschmidt is going to be top scorer and best player at this tournament isn't he? https://t.co/BNwSfuIDE3

— Cristian Nyari (@Cnyari) June 23, 2019

Germany went on to lead by at least two in each of their first two group matches but were challenged by trailing Austria, who had a nothing-to-lose attitude and got reward for their pressure.

Nubel gave away a spot-kick and was shown a yellow card in the 22nd minute when Austria forward Sasa Kalajdzic ran into his raised knee attempting to meet a cross.

The Germany No. 1 argued his knee was raised for his own protection and that both players had eyes on the ball, but the video assistant referee confirmed the foul. Augsburg midfielder Danso took penalty duties and dispatched low into the bottom-left corner.

Austria should have been in front after Kalajdzic got in the six-yard box to meet a Xaver Schlager cross in from the byline, but the Admira Wacker striker headed straight into Nubel. 

Football writer Tim Armitage hailed the quality of the save:

https://twitter.com/FussballTim_/status/1142878503257477122

Kalajdzic missed another gaping opportunity to put Austria up before the break and failed to make the most of Nubel's poor run out from goal. Germany's stopper got nowhere near the cross in and was lucky to see Kalajdzic's header arc onto the outside of his post and cleared just before half-time.

Austria appeared to be on more of an even playing field after the break and managed to mute the favourites for the most part, limiting Hoffenheim's Nadiem Amiri to one poor attempt from outside the box.

Clear-cut chances became few and far between, though the likes of Levin Oztunali and Waldschmidt showed increasing intensity in their efforts to restore a lead.

Knowing a point would be enough to wrap up first place in the group, Germany didn't strain themselves in speeding up the pace and were happy to see out long passages at times.

Kuntz's side got what it needed from the match to reach the last four of this competition for the third tournament in succession, while Austria bow out on the back of a proud display.

       

What's Next?

Germany know they won't play Group A winners Spain in the last four, although they'll have to wait until Group C's final order is decided on Monday to see whether they face one of Italy, France or Romania.

Germany continued their winning start to the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championships on Thursday, eliminating Serbia with a 6-1 win and establishing a three-point lead at the top of Group B.

Luca Waldschmidt netted a hat-trick at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste, Italy, and became the tournament's outright top scorer with four goals, while Marco Richter, Mahmoud Dahoud and substitute Arne Maier also chipped in.

Captain Andrija Zivkovic scored Serbia's only goal from the penalty spot after Lazar Randelovic was tripped inside the area late on.

New Real Madrid signing Luka Jovic was held at bay, and Serbia are still searching for their first point of the tournament and can no longer progress any further in the competition.

Matchday 2 showed marked improvement from an already impressive-looking Germany, and the titleholders look to have discovered their swagger after a somewhat apprehensive opening display.

The attacking movements were slicker and more composed with the cobwebs seemingly shaken off against the Danes, and it took coach Stefan Kuntz's side only 16 minutes to make the incision this time around.

Levin Oztunali failed to contribute directly in front of goal during Germany's opening 3-1 win against Denmark, but the Mainz midfielder made up for it with a supreme assist for Richter's breakthrough.

In fairness to the finisher, Richter's movement to peel away from his marker was superb—as was the chipped finish over Serbia goalkeeper Boris Radunovic—but Oztunali showed sensational vision to split the defence:

Brilliant through pass from Oztunali, and Marco Richter strikes again! 1-0 Germany

— Redza. (@leredza) June 20, 2019

https://twitter.com/MrGarrincha/status/1141787244434530309

The majority of the first half was one-way traffic running firmly against Serbia, whose hopes of advancing effectively ended before the break when their foes struck twice more in the space of seven minutes.

Waldschmidt was primely placed to convert thanks to Richter, the same team-mate who assisted his first goal of the tournament against Denmark.

Augsburg ace Richter had a sight at goal from the left, but sportswriter Alex Chaffer praised the youngster for choosing the least selfish option:

Outstanding composure from the Germany U21s to score that second goal. First Neuhaus to find the right pass in a 3-on-1, and then Richter to find Waldschmidt despite being in front of goal.

— Alex Chaffer (@AlexChaffer) June 20, 2019

The third was all of Waldschmidt's own making and saw the Freiburg forward set off on a mazy run from halfway, opening a lane of space before exhibiting searing pace with the ball to get away.

His strike across into the bottom right corner showcased an increasingly evident finishing touch and pushed Waldschmidt into rare scoring territory:

This is some truly beautiful football being played by Germany here. Henrichs’ trickery and pass to Waldschmidt is world-class, and his run and finish to follow are just as good. If you’re not watching, you’re missing out.

— Alex Chaffer (@AlexChaffer) June 20, 2019

Luca Waldschmidt with 2 1st half goals @DFB_Junioren and now on a hat-trick - only 6 in @UEFAUnder21 finals history: 2 in 2017 for @SeFutbol @saulniguez and @marcoasensio10 #GERSRB

— Tony Jones (@tonyjonescomm) June 20, 2019

Serbia reassessed at the break and enjoyed an improved second period in the sense that they began to apply some pressure on Alexander Nubel's goal, though the same team remained in firm control.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Dahoud was the next Germany player to get on the scoresheet and saw his slightly deflected effort fly in from outside the area.

Substitute Maier's strike was more certain, however, and he illustrated Germany's unforgiving streak when he lasered his shot into the top-right corner in injury time.

The German centre-back duo of Jonathan Tah and Timo Baumgartl stood up to the challenge of whatever Serbia had to throw and were mostly unnerved at the back.

Germany were luxurious at their best and showed disdain for small mistakes at times, displaying the kind of form one might expect of a team seeking back-to-back crowns.

Spain were the last team to successfully defend the under-21 European title in 2011 and '13, and the early signs suggest Germany could be capable of mimicking that feat.

      

What's Next?

The Group B schedule comes to a close on Sunday when Germany will face Austria and Serbia take on Denmark.

      

This article will be updated to provide more information soon.

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Marco Richter netted a brace as Germany began their defence of the UEFA Under-21 Euro crown with a 3-1 win over Denmark at the Dacia Arena in Udine, Italy, on Monday.  

Richter's first saw the reigning champions lead 1-0 at the break, but Germany came alive in the second half and Luca Waldschmidt also got on the scoresheet to complete an encouraging opening result.

Robert Skov pulled one back from the penalty spot after Timo Baumgartl gave away a penalty for blocking a cross with his arm.

Austria defeated 10-man Serbia 2-0 earlier Monday to take an initial lead in Group B after Hannes Wolf and Sascha Horvath provided their goals.

Germany have brought one of the most talented squads to Italy and boast three players with senior international caps. They also went undefeated in 12 matches prior to this tournament and have failed to win just three of their last 25 Under-21 Euro matches (including qualifiers).

But coach Stefan Kuntz's side were slow to get off the mark and showed some hesitation in the final third, though neither team showed much endeavour to attack during some dull opening exchanges.

Mainz midfielder Levin Oztunali almost crafted the breakthrough for Germany after 20 minutes when he fashioned space down the right, but 21-year-old Richter was unable to steer his cut-back on target.

He made up for that miss less than 10 minutes later, hwith what looked an even more difficult chance. Werder Bremen anchor Maximilian Eggestein stood the ball up inside Denmark's box and passed back to Richter, who fizzed a left-footed strike inside the far post. 

The youngster was highly active in the Danish half and impressed despite the fact he had less Bundesliga experience than any other outfielder in the Germany XI, per DW Sports:

Germany's XI for their #U21EURO opener has made 820 Bundesliga appearances.

Nübel - 20
Henrichs - 62
Tah - 125
Baumgartl - 86
Klostermann - 53
M. Eggestein - 91
Maier - 42
Öztunali - 126
Dahoud - 98
Richter - 37
Waldschmidt - 80#GERDEN pic.twitter.com/Ev0a724JvG

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) June 17, 2019

The game went through a lull after the opening strike, but Freiburg attacker Waldschmidt nearly sparked Germany into a 2-0 lead with his long-range effort from out of the blue.

Oldham Athletic goalkeeper Daniel Iversen was equal to the threat and did tremendously to get up and deny the brilliant effort, just about keeping the Danes within one goal.

The German defence was guilty of several cynical fouls that suggested their desperation to not concede, and it worked in stopping several promising Danish attacks as Germany led by one at the break.

Skov almost punished some lax German defending barely one minute into the second half, getting on the end of a looped ball over to coax the first great save out of Alexander Nubel.

But near misses count for nought. It was only a few minutes later when Richter pressured Danish defender Mads Valentin into a poor back-pass that resulted in a confident one-on-one finish for the German:

Just Marco Richter things 😏#FCA #GERDEN pic.twitter.com/c9dpmTFGbB

— FC Augsburg (@FCA_World) June 17, 2019

Clearly not content just with finishing the goals, Richter then applied the pressure again to combine a tackle into an assist for Waldschmidt.

He was put through clean on goal and chipped in calmly as Richter sat on the halfway line watching, and Goal's Ronan Murphy suggested his form could attract attention this summer:

Richter brilliant again for the third. Able to find a through pass to Waldschmidt despite being tackled to the ground. Augsburg will find it difficult to keep him if he continues like this. #U21EURO #GERDEN

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) June 17, 2019

Kuntz withdrew Richter with a little more than 20 minutes remaining, presumably in a bid to preserve arguably his in-form attacker for the upcoming clash with Serbia.

It proved a poor omen for Germany as Baumgartl gave away the spot-kick not long after. He had little argument against the penalty call after clumsily sliding in with his arms raised high, and Danish star Skov stepped up to dispatch.

Germany will consider this win a great pressure off their back as they looked as good as one might expect, though there's a long way to go before they successfully defend the Under-21 Euro crown for a first time.

      

What's Next?

Germany and Denmark return to action in Group B on Thursday when they'll face Serbia and Austria, respectively.

        

This article will be updated to provide more information soon.

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Germany kept up their perfect record in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying after they hammered Estonia 8-0 at the Opel Arena in Mainz on Tuesday.

Die Mannschaft made it three wins from three after Marco Reus, Serge Gnabry, Leon Goretzka and Ilkay Gundogan each scored early on to effectively seal the three points inside 25 minutes.

Reus and Gnabry each bagged a brace as Germany sent a statement to the rest of Europe's Euro 2020 contenders following a shaky period in their history. Timo Werner came off the bench to score before Sane completed a one-sided win with their eighth.

Assistant Marcus Sorg took charge of Germany for the second game in a row after Joachim Low was sidelined due to a chest injury, and he made it two wins from two by crowning a second result in style.

Thilo Kehrer started at right-back as Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich moved into midfield, and the Paris Saint-Germain defender set up Reus for the breakthrough within 10 minutes.

The Borussia Dortmund ace showed a composed touch from close range, achieving a meaningful feat by following up his goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Belarus, per Squawka:

Marco Reus has scored in consecutive games for Germany for the first time since March 2015.

16.6% of his total goals for Die Mannschaft have come in the last four days. 😳 pic.twitter.com/NYuPJToYCN

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 11, 2019

Manchester City winger Leroy Sane has been in flying form for the national team since he was brought back into the fold, and he got to the byline to pass into Gnabry for an easy second.

Goretzka was the next Bayern player to get on the scoresheet after heading in a cross from club team-mate Kimmich. 

Football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor named him among several German talents who left an impression in an entertaining first half:

Germany are playing beautifully against Estonia. They're facing weak opposition, but there are different ways to win this sort of game and this has been full of slick, precise passing and sweet angles. Sane has been excellent, Goretzka and Gnabry too.

— Seb Stafford-Bloor (@SebSB) June 11, 2019

Goretzka was hauled down inside the Estonia area to gift Germany the opportunity for a fourth just five minutes later. Gundogan made it two City scorers after he stepped up and slotted home to compound the visitors' misery.

Reus saved the best of the first period for last when he beat Estonia goalkeeper Sergei Lepmets from around 30 yards out with a beautifully struck free-kick. 

He powered his long-range attempt just inside the right post to widen the margin and break a 12-year-old Germany record in the process, per DW Sports:

5-0 #GER! Reus bangs in a free-kick from way out to make it five inside 37 minutes. Germany's first direct free-kick goal since 2007. #GEREST pic.twitter.com/36LbegxYiK

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) June 11, 2019

RB Leipzig defender Marcel Halstenberg fizzed in a superb cross for Gnabry to tap in his second and Germany's sixth of the game just after the hour mark.

Werner came on in the 66th minute and added a seventh to the hosts' tally as Estonia continued to crumble, wilting in a match they won't forget in a hurry.

Sane capped off their embarrassment with a peachy, curling effort after cutting in off the right, firing inside the far post with his left foot to rub further sale in Estonia's wounds.

Germany won't let such a big win against minor opposition inflate their egos, but their ability to dispatch even a minnow with such a flourish is a sign their strength is returning.

     

What's Next? 

Euro 2020 doesn't pick back up until September when Germany and Estonia will face the Netherlands and Belarus, respectively.

            

This article will be updated to provide more information soon.

Get the best sports content from the web and social in the new B/R app. Get the app to get the game.

Germany bagged their second win in Euro 2020 qualifying on Saturday, beating Belarus 2-0 in Group A. Leroy Sane and Marco Reus got the goals.

The Germans dominated the hosts and could have scored plenty more goals, especially in the first half. Sane exploited space in the hosts' defence to score the opener after 13 minutes, and Reus doubled the lead just after the hour mark.

Die Mannschaft are second in the group behind Northern Ireland, who have won all of their matches. Germany have two wins but have played one fewer match so far.

              

Bayern Must Go All-out to Secure Sane-Kimmich Connection

Bundesliga giants Bayern have been linked with a move for Manchester City winger Sane, and Bavarian full-back Joshua Kimmich added some fuel to the speculation in a recent interview with BILD (h/t Sport Witness):

Leroy Sane | Kimmich: “I would like to have Leroy at Bayern.

“He is a young, German player with great potential, who was not allowed to play at City – especially in the important games – which I personally cannot understand."https://t.co/VDYctSIKer #mcfc

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) June 7, 2019

The rumours make a lot of sense. Sane is a 23-year-old budding superstar who wasn't an automatic starter at City last season, despite chipping in 10 goals and 10 assists in 31 Premier League appearances.

Bayern tend to chase young German stars aggressively, and they have a need out wide with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery both leaving the club this summer.

On Saturday, they got a glimpse of what a Sane-Kimmich partnership could look like, as the two combined for the opening goal:

Kimmich ➡️ Sane ➡️ Goal 🥅#DieMannschaft #BLRGER 0-1 pic.twitter.com/6lbDPFE704

— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 8, 2019

With Kimmich always looking for a pass and Sane presenting a willing target, especially on the counter, the duo have always worked well together. Saturday provided another reminder of how potent they can be, and Bayern should push as hard as they can to bring Sane to Bavaria this summer.

It won't be easy, as City would likely rather keep hold of their young talent, but Bayern have to do all they can to pair the two.

   

What's Next?

Germany host Estonia on Tuesday, while Belarus face Northern Ireland at home.

Germany coach Joachim Low will miss his side's upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Belarus and Estonia after a dumbbell accident led to him being hospitalised.

Bild (h/t ESPN FC's Stephan Uersfeld) reported on Friday that Low dropped a dumbbell on his chest several weeks ago. The incident was played down at first, but a contused artery will require in-patient care and means assistant Marcus Sorg will coach Germany in Low's stead.

A statement from the German Football Association included quotes from the manager, who described his condition ahead of their upcoming pair of European qualifiers.

"I feel quite well already, but I need to give my body a rest for the next four weeks. I’m in constant communication with my coaching staff, and we will stay in touch via phone ahead of both matches. Marcus Sorg, Andy Kopke and Oliver Bierhoff have many years of experience between them and we will be able to get through this short break in a good manner."

Sorg will take charge of the team in Belarus on June 8 and again when they host Estonia at the Opel Arena in Mainz, Germany, on June 11.

The 2014 world champions are hoping for a better display at Euro 2020 after they made a dismal attempt at defending their crown at the 2018 FIFA World Cup last summer. 

Their European qualification campaign got off to a very promising start after Germany beat a resurgent Netherlands side 3-2 in Amsterdam in March:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn-xaYRMJsU

Die Mannschaft are second to Northern Ireland in Group C, but they've played one game fewer and could climb to the summit during the next international break.

On top of their World Cup disappointment, Germany were relegated from their UEFA Nations League group in the inaugural tournament. 

Despite their 2018 tournament disappointment, Low retained the trust of German football's higher powers:

12 games ✅
6 defeats ✅
First-round exit at the World Cup ✅
Relegation in the Nations League ✅

Hard to argue with Joachim Low, who said 2018 has been a "slap in the face" for Germany 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/ms3CgAlMkt

— GOAL (@goal) November 19, 2018

The team are unbeaten in three matches and count both Belarus and Estonia as the two easiest-looking opponents in their Euro 2020 qualifying group. 

Germany will put their faith in Sorg to carry out Low's orders during the next two fixtures but will also hope to have their World Cup-winning coach back in the dugout soon.

Germany open their UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with what could be their most difficult test, as they travel to the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam to take on the Netherlands on Sunday.

Die Mannschaft took just one point from their two matches against the Dutch in the UEFA Nations League last year.

In October, they were on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat in their away fixture in the Netherlands, so they'll be eager to avoid a repeat as they bid to get qualification off to a good start.

                                  

Date: Sunday, March 24

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/3:45 p.m. ET

TV: Sky Sports (UK), Univision Deportes (USA)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), ESPN+ (USA), Univision Deportes En Vivo (USA)

Odds: Netherlands (8-5), Draw (47-17), Germany (19-10)

Odds courtesy of Oddschecker

                

The Oranje have already got their Group C campaign under way and off to a winning start, as they ran out 4-0 winners over Belarus on Thursday.

Lyon forward Memphis Depay continued his electric form for his national side with a brace and two assists:

Memphis Depay was directly involved in all four Netherlands goals vs. Belarus:

⚽️ 01'
🅰️ 21'
⚽️ 55'
🅰️ 86'

Another excuse for this unreal photo. pic.twitter.com/bx4SLbO2jf

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 21, 2019

He set up Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Though neither are particularly prolific goalscorers at club level, they too have been outstanding in recent matches for their country, per Goal's Jack Sear:

Another goal for Virgil Van Dijk too. Four goals in his last six Netherlands appearances. Both him and Wijnaldum played 90 minutes. Both scored. Netherlands play Germany on Sunday.

— Jack Sear (@JackSear) March 21, 2019

The trio each scored in the Netherlands' 3-0 win over Germany in October, so Joachim Low will be particularly wary of them as he prepares his side for Sunday's clash.

With the rest of their qualifying group in action, Germany were left to play a friendly against Serbia on Wednesday.

Die Mannschaft are hoping to turn things around after a dismal showing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup—where they failed to escape their group—and suffering relegation to the second tier of the UEFA Nations League.

The clash with Serbia did not go entirely to plan, however, as the Mirror's Alex Richards noted:

1-1 in the end. Better second half, Reus brought more incision, Goretzka with a fine goal. Werner very disappointing. Sane limped off injured late on; Pavkov sent off for a high challenge on his ankle.

— Alex Richards (@AA_Richards) March 20, 2019

As football journalist Karl Matchett observed, their difficulties have gone on for some time:

4 wins in 16 now for Germany national team, dating back to Nov 2017.

They've beaten Saudi Arabia (friendly), Sweden (World Cup), Peru (friendly), Russia (friendly).

In 'competitive' games it's 1 win in 7.

🇩🇪🤔

— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) March 20, 2019

In a bid to freshen things up, Low dropped Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels from the squad indefinitely, and he called up a squad largely comprised of younger talents like Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz and Maximilian Eggestein.

Though they're clearly a team in transition, qualifying for Euro 2020 is still a must for Germany. Qualification is hardly contingent on Sunday's match, but it will be a big test.  

Joachim Low has hinted Manuel Neuer will remain Germany's first-choice goalkeeper but reiterated deputy Marc-Andre ter Stegen will get chances after coming on during Wednesday's 1-1 friendly draw against Serbia. 

The Germany manager was asked by reporters if Neuer's start against Serbia suggested the Bayern Munich man will keep his place for Sunday's UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier against the Netherlands, to which he replied:

"You can assume that. At the end of last week or in the past, I've already said that Marc-Andre will definitely have some chances. That's my plan.

"Now we have just made one game, in this one he has played a half. That was our decision, that Manuel plays as captain in the first half.

"In the second half then Marc-Andre played, but we still have some games during the year, and he will certainly get his opportunity."

Barcelona star Ter Stegen has his supporters as the heir to Neuer's throne, a position Bayern's No. 1 has governed almost without challenge for nearly a decade. He's earned 85 caps since making his debut in 2009 when he was at Schalke. 

Low indicated prior to the midweek friendly that Ter Stegen would continue to get chances in the national team, and DW Sports contrasted this season's statistics for the goalkeeping duo:

Manuel Neuer
👕 34 games
⚽️ 32 goals conceded
🔒 14 clean sheets

Marc-André ter Stegen
👕 37 games
⚽️ 33 goals conceded
🔒 15 clean sheets

A close decision...? pic.twitter.com/Kl9YnUuu1X

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) March 15, 2019

Neuer—who turns 33 on March 27—has kept two clean sheets in his last 12 international outings; Eintracht Frankfurt striker Luka Jovic headed in at the Volkswagen Arena after only 12 minutes on Wednesday.

The Bayern veteran has earned major plaudits during his career for popularising the sweeper 'keeper role, but questions have been raised over his effectiveness this season and whether he's past his best.

Journalist Manuel Veth took his injury absence last season into account when judging Neuer's 2018-19 campaign, though an increase in mistakes committed can't be ignored:

3. Manuel Neuer

Finally the captain of #DieMannschaft. Nine clean sheets and still an outstanding passing statistics but also plenty of mistakes this season. I think a grace period given his lengthy injury has to be granted but it will be on for him next season. pic.twitter.com/LjjgNNHYQy

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) March 18, 2019

Ter Stegen, meanwhile, has kept up consistent form between the sticks for Barcelona and has earned calls to take the No. 1 jersey, having excelled since joining from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014.

Liverpool's Sadio Mane scored the Reds' first in their 3-1 win at the Allianz Arena in the UEFA Champions League when he capitalised on Neuer's inexplicable run out from goal to score in an open net (U.S. only):

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1105933850096603139

Though Mane's turn and finish deserved huge credit, the goal exploited a noticeable lack of agility and reaction time from Neuer, who might have been expected to make the save in years gone by, via BT Sport (UK only):

Sadio Mané sending Manuel Neuer for a 🌭

The full #NoFilterUCL episode from Bayern 1-3 Liverpool is dropping soon 🙏pic.twitter.com/iHzly383vs

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 14, 2019

It's likely Euro 2020 could be Neuer's last chance to feature at a major international tournament for Germany. The Bayern stopper will be 34 at next summer's tournament and 36 by the time the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar (November 2022).

Low recently wielded his axe and cut the Bayern trio of Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng from the national team, though Neuer was among the club's more experienced stars to keep his place.

That move signalled no player is untouchable within Low's camp, but Neuer has stood tall and will continue to fight for his place as Germany's No. 1 heading into next year's European Championship.  

Germany manager Joachim Low played down fears Leroy Sane suffered a serious injury during his team's 1-1 friendly with Serbia on Wednesday in Wolfsburg.

The Manchester City winger required treatment after being fouled by Milan Pavkov in stoppage time, and Low said he was fortunate to have escaped serious injury, per Sky Sports News:

BREAKING: @DFB_Team_EN head coach Joachim Low says Leroy Sane's injury against Serbia "not too serious" and should be fit to play Netherlands on Sunday.

"It was a vicious foul. Sane was lucky and got away with not getting hurt but such fouls can break bones." #SSN pic.twitter.com/RHZjx3MBcQ

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 20, 2019

Pavkov was sent off for the challenge as Serbia ended the game with 10 men. The visitors had taken the lead in the first half through Luka Jovic, but Leon Goretzka equalised after the break for Die Mannschaft.

Sports journalist Andy Hampson was critical of the Red Star Belgrade striker's challenge:

Horrendous challenge on Sane in Germany game tonight. Guardiola will be holding his breath... but he seems OK

— Andy Hampson (@andyhampson) March 20, 2019

Sane was taken off shortly after the incident but also moved to calm fears regarding his fitness:

🗣️ @LeroySane19: "The foul looked worse than it was, everything is fine with my ankle."#DieMannschaft #GERSRB 🇩🇪🇷🇸 pic.twitter.com/bEG2b1U5Ld

— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) March 20, 2019

The 21-year-old was one of Germany's brighter performers against Serbia. His speed and willingness to run at defenders caused problems throughout the match.

Germany now head to Amsterdam for their next match, a 2020 European Championship qualifier against the Netherlands on Monday.

Sane will be expected to start the game as Germany aim to get their qualifying campaign off to a good start after a disappointing 2018 FIFA World Cup and poor showing in the UEFA Nations League.