Germany will be looking to make three wins from three in their World Cup 2022 qualifying when they welcome home North Macedonia. The match schedules for Wednesday at Sergei Karasev, with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Joachim Low’s men have seen off Iceland and Romania while keeping a clean sheet in both matches in their first two Group J games. On the other hand, Macedonia has three points from the same number of matches.
Germany managed to ease past Iceland, helped by Grotezka and Kai Havertz inside the first seven minutes. Ilkay Gundogan finished off the match with a third goal in the second half.
However, it was a tougher call for Die Mannschaft, who have to work harder against Romania on Sunday. The side put a 16th-minute strike by Serge Gnabry that proved the difference for the rest of the match.
Two wins from two marks the best possible response to November’s humiliating loss to Spain – their only defeat in 15 matches since September 2019. However, outgoing Joachim Low agreed that the side needs to pull their game, especially against tougher opponents.
It is not the category that North Macedonia wished to land in the group stages. The side with 65th FIFA rankings, but Igor Angelovski’s side could not make life difficult for Germany. However, their last outing comes as motivation from thrashing 5-0 to Liechtenstein.
Germany vs N. Macedonia Head to Head
Both sides are yet to meet at this stage of the competition, and this marks their first time. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Romania 1-0 Germany
Germany 3-0 Iceland
Spain 6-0 Germany
Germany 3-1 Ukraine
Germany 1-0 Czech Republic
Away
- Macedonia 5-0 Liechtenstein
Romania 3-2 Liechtenstein
Armenia 1-0 Liechtenstein
- Macedonia 2-1 Estonia
Georgia 0-1 Liechtenstein
Germany Team News
Low might stick to the same starting lineup that recorded wins over Romania and Iceland, but we expect some two changes. Timo Werner and Amin Younes are pushing for inclusion, having been used from the bench in their last outing. Jamal Musial could get his first full debut.
North Macedonia Team News
Trajkovski is one to watch out for, especially after bagging a brace last time out to make it 18 goals in 62 international appearances. Another notable name in the squad is Leeds United’s Alioski.
Prediction and Odds
Low will target making it nine points from three matches to make it a full debut on their road to Qatar.
Germany Win
Goals Over 3.5
Gnabry to Score
