Kimmich doubles up as Germany cruise past Luxembourg

Joshua Kimmich netted a brace as Germany triumphed 4-0 over Luxembourg, who played with ten men, in a World Cup qualifying match held in Sinsheim on Friday.

Germany demonstrated the composure and confidence that had been missing during their earlier World Cup qualifying fixtures, having suffered a rare away defeat to Slovakia and a narrow home win against Northern Ireland.

Team captain Kimmich converted a first-half penalty and added a second with a close-range finish shortly after the interval.

David Raum's precise free kick in the opening half and an early second-half strike by Serge Gnabry secured a crucial victory for the Germans.

Germany now lead Group A following Northern Ireland's 2-0 home win over Slovakia and will face Northern Ireland in Belfast on Monday.

Germany's unexpected loss in Bratislava in September, their first ever defeat against Slovakia, raised concerns that their progress at Euro 2024 might have been a temporary improvement for the four-time World Cup champions.

After early exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and a last-16 elimination at Euro 2020, Germany performed well at Euro 2024, only losing to eventual winners Spain in extra time during the quarter finals.

Managing injuries to forwards Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, along with goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, coach Julian Nagelsmann selected a strong starting XI, reverting captain Kimmich to defence from his usual midfield position.

Newcastle's Nick Woltemade nearly opened his Germany account within the first five minutes, deflecting in a Gnabry cross, but the goal was disallowed for a marginal offside decision.

Raum put Germany ahead in the 12th minute with a well-placed free kick over the defensive wall.

Luxembourg's challenge intensified after 20 minutes when Dirk Carlson received a red card and conceded a penalty for handball in the box, which Kimmich calmly slotted home.

Germany missed several opportunities before the break but extended their lead early in the second half, with Gnabry firing powerfully from the edge of the penalty area.

Kimmich scored again two minutes later, tapping in from close range following a Raum corner.

Alongside securing vital points to maintain their group lead and progress directly to the World Cup, Germany kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.