Fulkrug’s lone strike enough to defeat Oman in Germany’s friendly win

Germany began their 2022 World Cup preparations with a 1-0 win over Oman on Wednesday evening.

Niclas Fullkrug’s strike separated both sides after the striker came off the bench, replacing Yousuofa Moukoko to score in the 80th minute.

The Germans took the Oman game as a preparatory check for their Group E opener against Japan next Wednesday.

Hans Flick went with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with skipper and shot-stopper Manuel Neuer resuming duties between the sticks.

David Raum, Matthias Ginter, Thilo Kehrer, and Lucas Klostermann held a back four-block. At the same time, the midfield pairings of Ilkay Gundogan and Leon Goretzka made things tick in the middle, with Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz, Jonas Hoffman, and teenage sensation Youssoufa Moukoko leading the line.

Germany kicked off on the front foot with Leroy Sane causing problems for the host. Then the worrying moment came as Klostermann was forced off in the 32md minute after a suspected injury. The RB Leipzig man has just returned from a Knee ligament injury as Southampton’s Bella-Kotchap replaced him.

Germany continued to pile the pressure, with the Oman defence repelling every attacking threat posed by the Germans as the half-time whistle was blown.

Second-half proceedings began as Hans Flick made some changes with Gunther, Schlotterbeck, Joshua Kimmich, Brandt, and Fullkrug coming on as they continued to grow into the game despite their sloppy start.

Germany was finally rewarded for their patience as they got a breakthrough in the 80th minute when Kai Havertz nodded down for Fullkrug to finish from close range as he slotted past the arms of Al Mukhaini.

The dangerous Fullkrug almost got his second, only to be ruled out for offside as Germany saw out the slim victory.

Akinnifesi Olumide