Germany vs Saudi Arabia: as it happened, match report
A lacklustre second half performance will not have pleased Joachim Low as Germany narrowly overcame Saudi Arabia despite a bright opening.
Germany v Saudi Arabia: match report
There was no repeat of the 8-0 scoreline the last time these two sides met in Sapporo in 2002 and indeed the 'Green Falcons' could have snatched a last minute equaliser which would have flattered somewhat given the overall run of play over the 90 minutes of action.
Juan Antonio Pizzi will however be the happier of the two managers. His side rode their luck faced with a torrent of early dominance from the world champions and in the second half especially would have been pleased as his side moved the ball around with zest and purpose.
Germany started with an electrifying pace and could have been three up after twenty minutes. Constant changes in the second half interrupted the flow of the game and it became apparent that Germany lowered the intensity levels with Gundogan, Brandt among the six changes made by Joachim Low.
Next up for Germany is their Russia 2018 opener as they face Mexico at the Luzniki stadium. Four days earlier Saudi Arabia face Russia in the inaugural game of the competition and any fans of Sbornaya will not have enjoyed what they saw in Leverkusen tonight.
Germany v Saudi Arabia: as it happened
Germany v Saudi Arabia: preview
The clock is ticking down to Thursday June 14 when, at 1700 CEST the action gets underway with Russia and Saudi Arabia opening the greatest event in global football with Game 1 of the 2018 Russia World Cup at Moscow's Luzniki Stadium.
Juan Antonio Pizzi will see his 'Green Falcons' in action again in Leverkusen with a stern test against the current world champions ideal preparation for the Asian side to test themselves against the best in the world. The last time both sides faced each other was back in the 2002 World Cup where Germany recorded a resounding 8-0 win with Miroslav Klose bagging a hat-trick.
Joachim Low will be anxious to use the game to banish the question marks that defeat to Austria have prompted and "Die Mannschaft" will be without play-maker Ozil after the Arsenal midfielder sustained a knee injury in a importunarte clash during the Austria game.
