Klopp Secures Second Win as Nine-Man Serbia Fall 3-1 to Germany
Germany maintained their pursuit of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory against Serbia on Friday, moving level on eight points with second-place Greece in Group A2. Florian Wirtz recorded his 13th international goal before debutant Brajan Gruda scored from distance to secure Jurgen Klopp’s second win since taking charge of the national team.
The result sets up a crucial final fixture against group leaders Netherlands, while two second-half dismissals for the home side ended any prospect of a late Serbian comeback.
Brajan Gruda
playerGerman Transition Attack Capitalises on Serbian Disciplinary Breakdown
Germany established early control when Serbian defender Srdjan Babic turned the ball into his own net to open the scoring. The visitor’s advantage doubled in the 14th minute after Florian Wirtz ran onto a forward pass, lifted his attempt over goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, and followed the trajectory to bundle the ball across the line.
Brajan Gruda extended the margin through an individual effort, carrying possession from inside his own half before driving a shot into the net from just outside the penalty area. The debut strike established a three-goal cushion, demonstrating Germany’s ability to attack open space on the counter.
Florian Wirtz
playerBabic pulled a goal back for Serbia in the 56th minute to reduce the deficit, but the home team’s momentum stalled shortly after. Vanja Dragojevic received a straight red card for a late challenge on midfielder Joshua Kimmich, forcing Serbia to play the remainder of the match down a player.
Serbia finished the contest with nine men after Andrija Zivkovic was shown a second red card late in the second half for foul and abusive language. The double dismissal secured the outcome for Klopp’s side, who have now recorded two wins, two draws, and one defeat across his first five games in charge.
| Group A2 Team | Points | Status / Next Match |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | Leading | vs Germany (Mon) |
| Greece | 8 | vs Serbia (Mon) |
| Germany | 8 | vs Netherlands (Mon) |
| Serbia | Bottom | vs Greece (Mon) |
- Early match beat: Srdjan Babic scores an own goal to give Germany the lead.
- 14th minute: Florian Wirtz doubles Germany’s lead with his 13th international goal.
- First-half action: Brajan Gruda scores a long-range debut goal following a run from his own half.
- 56th minute: Srdjan Babic scores for Serbia to make it 3-1.
- Second-half incident: Vanja Dragojevic is shown a straight red card for a foul on Joshua Kimmich.
- Late match beat: Andrija Zivkovic is sent off for foul and abusive language.
Discipline proved decisive in the final half-hour as Serbia received two red cards. Vanja Dragojevic was sent off directly for a reckless tackle on Joshua Kimmich, while Andrija Zivkovic was dismissed in the closing minutes after directing abusive language toward the match official.