Hofmann impresses at right-back as Germany win 2-1

Germany beat Romania 2-1 as part of World Cup qualifying, with Jonas Hofmann starting at right-back.

GERMANY

Germany recorded a comeback 2-1 victory against Romania in World Cup qualifying. While Matthias Ginter and Florian Neuhaus were both unused substitutes, teammate Jonas Hofmann (Photo: imago images / Schüler) was able to pick up his seventh cap. The 29-year-old started at right-back once again and delivered a strong performance before being subbed off in the 85th minute. Thomas Müller netted the winner for Germany in the 81st minute. Romania had taken an early lead through Ianis Hagi (9’), before Serge Gnabry brought Die Mannschaft back on level terms (52’) after an assist from former Foal, Marco Reus.

“It annoys me when we concede. Afterwards, it wasn’t easy to get back to our rhythm. The team fought hard, gave it everything and had the fans on their side. That’s exactly what we want,” said head coach Hansi Flick. “In the end, it’s a deserved win. I’m pleased that we won and with the way we performed.” Germany are currently top of Group J with 18 points from seven games, followed by upcoming opponents North Macedonia (12). The two will face off on Monday, 11th October at 20:45 CEST.

ALGERIA

Algeria stormed to a 6-1 victory against Niger on Friday night as they attempt to qualify for next year’s World Cup. Riyad Mahrez (27’, 60’), Sofiane Feghouli (47’), Zakariya Souleymane (70’) and Islam Slimani (76’, 88’) all got on the scoresheet for Algeria. Daniel Sosah (50’) netted for the visitors. Borussia’s left-back Ramy Bensebaini did not feature.

IRELAND U21 / LUXEMBOURG U21

The Ireland U21s beat Luxembourg U21s 2-0 as part of qualifying for the 2023 U21 European Championship, set to be hosted by Romania and Georgia. The match saw two Foals face off, as Selim Turping from the Borussia U19s was subbed on in the 65th minute for Luxembourg, while Conor Noß came into the match five minutes later for Ireland. Turping made his debut for the U21s, whereas it was already Noß’ seventh appearance for the Irish U21 side. The team have taken seven points from three games, and are currently in third place in Group F. Luxembourg are bottom of the table with one point from five games.