A superb performance from Joshua Kimmich helped Germany to get the job done in their World Cup qualifier. The reigning world champions thrashed San Marino 7-0 in front of 30,000 fans in Nuremberg on Saturday. Julian Draxler opened the scoring in the 11th minute before goals from former Munich man Sandro Wagner (16, 29) and Amin Younes (38) ensured a comfortable half-time lead. After the break, Shkodran Mustafi (47), Julian Brandt (72) and a third from Wagner (85) completed the rout.
Kimmich played at right-back but wasn’t tested defensively. The Bayern player was more involved in attack, crossing the ball for Wagner’s first and third international goals. Kimmich, who was on the pitch for the whole 90 minutes, also played a part in the Hoffenheim striker’s second strike with a quick free-kick.
Having won all six games, Germany have a clear lead at the top of their World Cup Qualifying group with the maximum points tally of 18. Their nearest challengers are Northern Ireland on 13 points. However Kimmich and co don’t have much time to catch their breath as their preparations for the Confederations Cup in Russia begin on Tuesday. Germany’s first match of the tournament is against Australia on 19 June.
Hat-trick for Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski also enjoyed a successful night. The Bayern striker almost single-handedly fired Poland to a 3-1 win over Romania in their World Cup qualifier. Lewandowski put the hosts ahead in the 29th minute from the penalty spot before sealing the three points in the second half with a header in the 57th minute and another penalty five minutes later. The FCB star has now scored 11 goals in six qualifying matches! A goal from Stancu in the 77th minute proved to be nothing more than consolation for Romania. The Poles lead their group with 16 points and maintain their six-point cushion ahead of both Montenegro and Denmark.