Low’s new-look side impresses in drawn game against Serbia
WOLFSBURG: Germany’s new-look team made a promising return to the international stage with a 1-1 draw against Serbia in a friendly on Wednesday, showing signs of improvement following a disastrous 2018. The Germans had only one player from their 2014 World Cup victory in the starting line-up and their oldest outfield player was aged 24.
More aggressive and quicker than in recent games, with Kai Havertz, Julian Brandt and Leroy Sane playing behind forward Timo Werner, the hosts needed only three minutes to get a shot on target with Havertz firing the ball at Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic following a quick passing move.
Serbia went forward after 11 minutes and their first corner bounced off the back of two players to land perfectly for Luka Jovic to head in for his first international goal.
But the Germans kept their foot firmly on the gas and wasted several chances in the second half before substitute Leon Goretzka grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 69th minute. “In the first half the automation in this new team, playing together for the first time, did not function that well,” coach Joachim Low told reporters.
“In the second half the team sent a very good signal that we can increase pressure and we can increase the tempo. We had a lot of chances and we missed the final touch a bit. That is also part of the learning experience.
“Overall, I am very satisfied with the mentality, the pressure we created.”
Serbia were left with 10 players when Milan Pavkov was sent off for a reckless challenge on Sane.