Löw selected eight World Champions in his starting line-up and made seven changes to the side that drew with Australia on Wednesday. Bastian Schweinsteiger captained the side for the first time since being given the role on a permanent basis.
Manuel Neuer, Sebastian Rudy, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Kroos and Müller were also recalled. The only players to start both games were Özil, Götze and Reus.
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Joachim Löw’s side took a step towards European Championship qualification earlier by beating Georgia 2-0 in Tbilisi. Germany now have 10 points and find themselves level with Poland and Scotland, although the former do play later this evening. Marco Reus (39’) and Thomas Müller (44’) scored for Germany. It was their 523rd victory in their 900th international.
The World Champions were favourites although the 54,594 supporters in the stadium created a difficult atmosphere. Marco Reus had the first chance of the game. He hit the bar after great work from Thomas Müller. The Bayern attacker had a chance of his own after 13 minutes but his first time effort flashed wide after a clever corner.
Götze and Reus impress
Georgia remained deep, which saw Germany dominate possession and create a number of chances. Özil (24’) and Götze (26’) had opportunities to put Löw’s side in front. Dortmund’s Reus had another effort shortly before the half hour mark. Great play from Jonas Hector and Götze set up the Dortmund star but he couldn’t quite capitalise on the opportunity. He was more clinical ten minutes later. A mazy Götze run was stopped by a defender but the ball landed at the feet of Reus, who calmly slotted home to give Germany the lead with six minutes left of the half.
Müller doubles the lead before the break
The lead was doubled shortly before the interval. Mesut Özil found Müller after a penetrating run. The Bayern player’s first touch wasn’t great but he reacted quickest to fire home and make it 2-0. Georgia improved after the break and created their first clear chance in the 52nd minute. Ucha Lobjanidze’s volley flew over the bar, however.
Germany remained dangerous and hit the woodwork again on the hour mark. Reus’ first time effort smacked the crossbar after great work from Özil. The Arsenal player almost made it 3-0 with ten minutes to go but his long range effort drifted wide. Moments earlier Bastian Schweinsteiger almost put through his own net. His sliced clearance went narrowly wide of Manuel Neuer’s near post.
Eight World Champions start
Löw selected eight World Champions in his starting line-up and made seven changes to the side that drew with Australia on Wednesday. Bastian Schweinsteiger captained the side for the first time since being given the role on a permanent basis.
Manuel Neuer, Sebastian Rudy, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Kroos and Müller were also recalled. The only players to start both games were Özil, Götze and Reus.