The Germany U21s have maintained their 100% record in the European qualifiers. Horst Hrubesch’s side were 3-1 winners against Azerbaijan on matchday 4 as they aim to secure their place at Poland 2017. The DFB-Team went behind after half an hour, but a brace from Stuttgart’s Timo Werner, as well as a goal from Wolfsburg midfielder Maximilian Arnold, earned Germany three points to keep them top of Group 7 ahead of Austria.
Germany dictated the play from the early stages in front of 8,922 spectators at the sold-out Continental-Arena in Regensburg, but struggled to create goalscoring opportunities. Leon Goretzka had the best chance after 12 minutes, but was unable to find a way past Azerbaijan goalkeeper Shakhrun Magomedaliyew in a one-on-one situation.
Magsad Isayev nets surprise opener
Horst Hrubesch’s side started to get into their stride after that, with Joshua Kimmich, Max Meyer, Serge Gnabry and Timo Werder all having chances. Niklas Süle came close in the 28th minute though, but his header from a corner went inches wide of the far post.
As it looked like the DFB-Team would take the lead any moment, all of a sudden a goal went in at the other end. A great through ball from Ilter Tashkin put Magsad Isayev in beyond the defence and he kept his cool to beat Timon Wellenreuther in the Germany goal. It didn’t change the flow of the game though as the hosts continued to dominate proceedings. The crossbar kept Gnabry from levelling the scores from a free kick just three minutes later.
Werner and Arnold turn the tide before the break
Timo Werner wasn’t to be denied though. Arnold’s cross from the left was collected by the Stuttgart youngster, who then fired the ball into the near corner on the turn. Germany were satisfied to just go into the break level though and managed to the turn the game on its head thanks to Arnold’s strike in the 43rd minute.
There was a nervy moment just after the restart though when Azerbaijan were awarded a free kick 25 yards out. Isayev’s thunderous effort only rattled the woodwork though. It was all Germany after that. A deflected cross from right back Weiser almost made it three, but Magomedaliev showed great reflexes to keep Azerbaijan in the game.
Werner grabs his brace
Magomedaliyew couldn’t stop the DFB-Team from making it 3-1 after an hour though. Jeremy Toljan laid the ball off to Werner in the box and he slotted home to give Germany a cushion. Hrubesch’s boys were able to take the pace out of the game after that and there weren’t too many more chances to speak of. There was an U21s debut for Janik Haberer in the closing stages though.