Arsenal 27yo helps keep Germany’s Nations League campaign alive

Kai Havertz had a major impact in a Germany win over Serbia on Friday night, giving his country a shot at making the Nations League quarter-finals.

Trailing the top-two by three points ahead of Friday’s game, Germany knew they couldn’t afford to slip up away to Serbia. If results went against them, they might have found themselves out of the race for a top-two finish and progression to the quarter-finals before the final group game even kicked off.

But the Netherlands’ 7-0 win over Greece very much opened the door for Germany, and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz helped the team to take their chance.

Havertz thought he’d given Germany the lead in the third minute, as his headed effort from a corner found the net. The goal was ultimately awarded as an own goal by Srdan Babic, due to a heavy deflection, but the Arsenal forward’s team had the lead all the same.

Germany then doubled their lead in the 14th minute, and Havertz was heavily involved once again. His run beyond the defence saw him through on the goalkeeper, and whilst Vanja Milinkovic-Savic saved the initial effort, Florian Wirtz turned in the rebound.

Germany ended up winning the match 3-1, and though Havertz didn’t officially get a goal or assist, his influence on the scoreline was evident to those that watched. The highlights are available here.

Germany now have their fate in their own hands, as a win over Netherlands in their final game would definitely see them through to the knockout stages – potentially as group winners.

However, if Germany only draw their final game, they’d need Greece to lose to Serbia. And if Germany lose, they can’t possibly progress.

It’s all still to play for in those final matches, which is perhaps why Havertz was withdrawn with 16 minutes to go. They’ll need him again on Monday.

• Arsenal 27yo helps keep Germany’s Nations League campaign alive
  Kai Havertz had a major impact in a Germany win over Serbia on Friday night, giving his country a shot at making the Nations League quarter-finals. Trailing the top-two by three points ahead of Friday’s game, Germany knew they couldn’t afford to slip up away to Serbia. If results went against them, they might have…
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