Germans win it late in Prague

Czech Republic 1 Germany 2

GERMANY coach Joachim Low felt his side “got lucky” after a late header from Mats Hummels secured a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in Prague to maintain their 100% record in World Cup qualifying Group C.

The world champions went ahead after only four minutes through RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner but were then forced on the back foot as the hosts rallied at the Eden Arena.

A stunning effort from Hertha Berlin midfielder Vladimir Darida, which crashed in off the crossbar, brought the Czechs a deserved equaliser after 78 minutes.

However, there was still time for Germany to secure the victory which guarantees at least a play-off place in Group C when Bayern Munich defender Hummels looped in a header from a free kick.

Low, though, was less than impressed by the manner of their seventh successive qualifying win.

“We definitely cannot be happy with the way we played. We won and that’s what counts but we got lucky,” Low said.

“Czech Republic defended well but we also made things very difficult for ourselves.

“It felt like we had a lot of possession but just couldn’t break through their lines. We didn’t create anything for the whole game and deserved a draw.

Defender Hummels added: “We had a lot of problems but the biggest was that we gave the ball away too easily.”

In the remaining

Group C game, Norway saw off Azerbaijan 2-0 in Oslo.

HERO Emre Can with game winner Hummels (right)

NOT HAPPY Manager Joachim Low was furious