Substitute Deniz Undav rescues Germany late in Ghana friendly

STUTTGART – Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann criticised his team’s “freestyle” football as they claimed an unconvincing 2-1 win over Ghana in a friendly in Stuttgart on March 30.

A last-gasp Deniz Undav goal saved German blushes, much to Nagelsmann’s relief but there would be much to ponder before the World Cup.

Germany dominated possession against Ghana but needed a Kai Havertz penalty to break through just before half-time.

A counter-attacking Abdul Fatawu goal drew the visitors level and the lifeless match looked on track for a draw until VfB Stuttgart striker Undav’s 88th-minute effort put Germany back in front.

The home fans chanted Undav’s name until the striker, who is second on the Bundesliga top-scorers’ list with 18 goals, was brought on at half-time.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion forward told German broadcaster ARD: “It was crazy to hear how the fans stood behind me... it was a perfect evening. Got the win, scored a goal – top.

“We were completely in control in the first half, but we have to make more out of our chances.”

Despite a seventh win in a row, it was an inconsistent performance from Nagelsmann’s men against an out-of-form Ghana side.

“Because the game was going very, very well and then we got a bit impatient and stopped sticking to our positions,” the coach criticised.

“It was a lot of freestyle again, just like against Switzerland (4-3 win on March 27). And then sometimes we simply aren’t secure enough on the ball to pull off that kind of freestyle.

“The team is making life difficult for themselves. They want to win and score a goal... but the important thing is that we don’t concede two or three because we’re caught on the counter-attack.”

The late winner came after Nagelsmann had raised eyebrows when the in-form Undav was left on the bench as they beat Switzerland.

Asked whether he would settle for a substitute’s role at the World Cup as Nagelsmann had hinted, Undav said he had discussed his position with the coach.

“I accept my role and maybe if I score more goals like this my role may change, who knows,” he said.

The Germans, who have not reached a final in any major international tournament since winning their fourth World Cup in 2014 in Brazil, have been drawn in Group E with Ecuador, Curacao and Ivory Coast for the June 11-July 19 tournament.

Ghana, meanwhile, parted ways with coach Otto Addo, the country’s football association announced a few hours following the defeat by Germany.

Addo won eight matches and lost nine in 22 games in charge of the West African nation.

Ghana, who reached the World Cup for the fifth time, are in Group L along with Croatia, England and Panama. AFP, REUTERS