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Match recaps

Debutant Brajan Gruda and Florian Wirtz Power Germany Past Serbia

Germany players celebrating a goal in the rain during their Nations League match against Serbia in Belgrade.

Brajan Gruda marked his international debut with a goal and Florian Wirtz also found the net as Germany secured a 3-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on Friday. The result ensures Germany's path to topping Group A2 of the Nations League will be decided in a high-stakes encounter against the Netherlands, who hammered Greece following a Tijjani Reijnders hat-trick.

Rain-Soaked Victory in Belgrade

Germany navigated challenging conditions to claim all three points in their Germany vs Serbia Nations League fixture. Playing in an almost empty stadium amidst teeming rain in the Serbian capital, the visitors took control of the match early on.

The Germans forced Srdan Babic into conceding an early own goal, setting the tone for the evening. Florian Wirtz added to the tally, ensuring the visitors maintained their attacking momentum despite the difficult pitch conditions.

The highlight of the match came from Brajan Gruda, who celebrated his first appearance for the national team by getting on the scoresheet. His debut goal helped seal the 3-1 scoreline, keeping Germany firmly in the hunt for the top spot in Group A2.

Reijnders Powers the Netherlands

Elsewhere in the group, the Netherlands delivered a resounding statement of their own. The Dutch side hammered Greece, driven by an outstanding individual performance from midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.

Reijnders scored a hat-trick to dismantle the Greek defence, ensuring the Netherlands kept pace with Germany in the group standings and setting the stage for a dramatic final matchday.

Key Moments from Friday's Action

  • Early breakthrough: Serbia's Srdan Babic was forced into an own goal to give Germany the lead.
  • Debutant strikes: Brajan Gruda scored his first international goal for Germany.
  • Dutch dominance: Tijjani Reijnders netted a hat-trick as the Netherlands cruised past Greece.

Group A2 Showdown in Berlin

Friday's results have perfectly aligned the top of Group A2, setting up a definitive clash to conclude this phase of the Nations League.

Germany will now return home to host the Netherlands in Berlin on Monday. With both sides coming off commanding victories, the upcoming fixture will directly decide who claims the top spot in the group.

Topics:Nations LeagueGroup A2Florian WirtzBrajan GrudaTijjani Reijnders hat-trickfootball results