Woltemade sends Germany past Luxembourg in World Cup qualifier

Nick Woltemade netted two goals to guide a lacklustre Germany to a 2-0 victory over Luxembourg on the road, bringing them close to securing direct qualification for the World Cup this Friday.

Woltemade found the net twice following the interval, as Germany faced difficulties against their lower-ranked foes, positioned 97th globally.

This win positions Germany well for automatic entry into next years competition in North America.

Germany match Slovakia on points but lead via superior goal difference, after the latter defeated Northern Ireland 1-0 in their concurrent game.

The leading pair will clash in Leipzig come Monday for the groups concluding encounter, with Germany assured of progression should they hold firm or better.

Prior to kick off, German manager Julian Nagelsmann endorsed Woltemade for a pivotal role, and the towering Newcastle forward proved crucial for the away team.

Building on his sole strike in October's triumph against Northern Ireland, his debut international goal, the 1.98 metre Woltemade stepped up once more amid absences of forwards such as Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Niclas Fuellkrug, Tim Kleindienst, and Karim Adeyemi.

A comeback for Germany did little to ignite Liverpool s Florian Wirtz, who fired high in the first period and failed to influence proceedings significantly.

Winless after four prior group outings, Luxembourg created superior opportunities before the break against a Germany outfit hampered by injuries and short on rhythm.

Local winger Daniel Sinani narrowly missed with a shot after 21 minutes and prompted a vital stop from a set piece around the 30 minute mark.

An evidently irritated Nagelsmann marched to the dressing room at the interval, prompting his charges to respond swiftly post resumption, Woltemade opening the score just four minutes in.

Leroy Sane, featuring for Germany for the first time since his summer switch to Galatasaray, delivered a precise delivery from the flank, allowing the Newcastle marksman an easy finish.

Sane contributed centrally to Woltemade's follow up on 69 minutes, threading the pass inward from the right to Ridle Baku, who laid it off for Woltemade to convert.

Replacement Felix Nmecha saw a distant strike parried onto the bar during added time.