Mats Hummels’ looping header two minutes from time ensured Germany kept their 100 per cent record intact as Die Mannschaft edged Czech Republic 2-1 in a hard-fought World Cup qualifying game at the Eden Arena in Prague.
Germany manager Joachim Low opted to start Timo Werner at the apex of a 3-5-2 formation and the young forward got the reigning World Cup champions off to a brilliant start with a 4th-minute strike.
Mesut Ozil, ineffective for Arsenal in the Premier League so far, found the speedy RB Leipzig forward near the edge of the box and while Werner’s first-touch wasn’t the best, he managed to toe the ball past an oncoming Tomas Vaclik.
The hosts, rocked by Werner’s early strike, responded well and were making regular forays into Germany’s half on the counter, but their decision-making near Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s box was found wanting.
Knowing they needed a win to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for next year’s showpiece event alive, Karel Jarolim’s men kept pushing for an equaliser but as the half-time whistle sounded it were the visitors in the lead.
Not that Germany didn’t have chances of their own, however, for Lars Stindl had seemed destined to score after a flowing move only for some last-ditch defending to prevent him from doubling Die Mannschaft’s lead.
After the interval, the Czechs kept testing ter Stegen and while initially it looked like Germany would hold on, Vladimir Darida’s long-range stunner in the 78th minute equalised proceedings.
The 27-year-old, who plays for Bundesliga side Hertha BSC, was given time to pick his spot from 35 yards and let loose with a powerful shot that went off the post, leaving Stegen with no chance.
Germany needed a win to effectively confirm their qualification for second-placed Northern Ireland and managed to grab three points with a well-worked set-piece in the 88th minute.
Toni Kroos floated in a free-kick and Hummels rose highest to head over Vaclik to break the hosts’ hearts. To make matters worse, it looked as if the central defender was in an offside position but linesman’s flag stayed down and Germany had their win.
There is space to improve and we’ll work on that. A last minute win but we secured 3 points. 7 wins out of 7 games! 💪🏻👏🏻🇩🇪 #DesireToWin pic.twitter.com/IORi8FQwmv
— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) September 1, 2017
The Germans remain on top of Group C with 21 points from seven games while second-paced Northern Ireland are on 16 points after brushing aside San Marino 3-0.