Germany's World Cup preparations unaffected by Finland in Mainz clash

Germany's World Cup preparations unaffected by Finland in Mainz clash
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Experienced shot-stopper Manuel Neuer, who ended his international hiatus for the World Cup, observed this match from the sidelines because of an injury, meaning Oliver Baumann took his place in goal for Julian Nagelsmann's side.

Similar to Neuer, Baumann had little to do during the first half as the home team put Lukas Hradecky's goal under constant pressure. Deniz Undav and Florian Wirtz both tested the keeper with early attempts. Undav then latched onto a brilliant disguised pass from Jamal Musiala, but Hradecky rushed out to block his effort.

However, the Finnish goalkeeper's defiance was broken when Undav opened the scoring in the 34th minute, arriving at the far post to guide a calm header into the net from Joshua Kimmich's precise cross after a short corner.

Although Finland failed to qualify for the World Cup, they managed to limit the damage to just one goal by half time. However, they handed Germany a second goal just three minutes into the second half. A sloppy pass from Adam Markhiev in his own area allowed Undav to square the ball for Wirtz to tap home.

Things deteriorated further for the away side when Undav scored his second of the match shortly before the 60th minute, firing a left-footed shot past Hradecky to complete a swift counter-attack and notch his second international brace.

Full of confidence, the four-time world champions produced a sharp, incisive passing move that led to Jamal Musiala smashing a powerful shot into the net in his first international match since March 2025.

Although last-gasp defending prevented them from adding a fifth goal, Germany will be pleased with a fifth clean sheet in seven matches as they travel to Chicago for their last friendly against co-hosts USA. They then start their campaign for a fifth World Cup title against Curacao on 14th June.

As for the Eagle Owls, they go to Budapest to face Hungary on 5th June, their last game before they resume competitive fixtures in the UEFA Nations League in September.