Maja paves Germany's path to the Nations League quarter-finals

The German national team defeated Serbia 3‑1 and thereby secured a place in the Nations League quarter‑final against the Netherlands on the upcoming Monday evening. Maja, who led the match 3‑1, brought the team to victory. The result gives the team the chance to fight for the title in the next step.

Concentration in the Rain

In the pouring rain in Belgrade, the German side displayed a focused performance that made the victory decisive. Despite the wet weather, there were players who stood out, while others gave cause for concern after the match.

Individual Players Stand Out

Thiaw, 25, from Newcastle United, surprisingly started in place of Nico Schlotterbeck. He performed his role with flair and contributed offensively with several good balls that created chances. For the early opening goal he unsettled Srdjan Babic, leading to the Serbian own‑goal. Defensively he operated alongside Tah calmly and composedly, which strengthens his overall profile for further appearances.

Rain in Belgrade lets German national team shine – Wirtz and Gruda shape the win

Mittelstädt, 29, returned to the national team from the start and thereby confirmed Jürgen Klopp’s decision. At 1‑0 he won the corner, crossed to Kai Havertz, whose header was directed by Babic into the net. Outside the defensive area he showed good actions, wisely dropping into the midfield. Although his teammates could not convert the chances, he demonstrated his offensive qualities.

Gruda, 22, was rated the man of the match and thrilled with dribbles as well as a 60‑metre solo goal. He used the game to stake a claim for a regular place and is likely to secure Jürgen Klopp’s attention. The young winger could long‑term be the solution for the right‑wing position, where Leroy Sané was most recently used. His joy for the game, however, brought another player’s suffering.

Rain in Belgrade makes Jürgen Klopp marvel at Brajan Gruda's debut