Klose Equals Record in Comfortable Win
Germany 3-0 Austria
Goals: 1-0 Klose (33’), Kroos (51’), 3-0 Müller (88’)
On the night when Philipp Lahm made his 100th appearance for Germany, Germany won 3-0 against Austria as Miroslav Klose finally drew level with Gerd Müller’s record of 68 goals for his country. Other goals in Munich’s Allianz Arena came from Toni Kroos and Thomas Müller.
As they did in the return fixture, Austria pressed high up the field right from the start of the game. They weren’t rewarded in the opening quarter of an hour though, as Germany eventually found their feet. Sami Khedira curled an effort just wide, before Klose – one goal away from equalling Müller’s record 68 goals for Germany – smashed an effort into the side netting.
Austria subdued their hosts, but were saved by Robert Almer shortly before the half-hour mark, as their goalkeeper denied Marco Reus before punching over from Klose’s follow-up header.
Germany’s 35-year-old striking legend didn’t have to wait long to reach the coveted 68-mark though. Klose slid in ahead of Aleksandar Dragovic to connect with a low cross from Thomas Müller and give Germany the lead. Austria were limited to long-range efforts from David Alaba and Dragovic, as a number of misplayed passes denied them a chance to truly test Manuel Neuer.
Alaba started the second half as he ended the first, but Andreas Weimann couldn’t take advantage, firing over from the angle. It proved costly too as Germany soon found their second goal. A delightful no-look pass from Marco Reus on the edge of the area allowed Kroos space to rifle in from 25 yards.
Germany remained in control but Austria had a couple of chances after bringing on some fresh legs. Marcel Sabitzer fired just wide before Manuel Neuer had to save awkwardly to deny Germany’s neighbours a goal. Loew’s men stayed disciplined, except when Veli Kavalk put in a late challenge on Toni Kroos, a tackle that riled both Miroslav Klose and Mesut Özil.
With the tempo out of the game, Germany made sure of three goals to match the three points when Thomas Müller tapped into an empty net after a neat passing move. Germany stay top of Group C with 19 points, and their next game is on Tuesday, September 10th at 20:45 when they travel to the Faroe Islands.
Germany: Neuer – Lahm, Mertesacker, Boateng, Schmelzer (46’ Höwedes) – Khedira, Kroos – Müller, Özil, Reus (90+1’ Draxler) – Klose (82’ S. Bender)
Austria: Almer – Garics (78’ Klein), Dragovic, Pogatetz, Fuchs – Kavlak, Alaba – Harnik, Ivanschitz (67’ Burgstaller), Arnautovic (67’ Sabitzer) – Weimann
Yellow cards: Reus, Khedira, Klose – Weimann, Kavlak, Pogatetz, Klein
Attendance: 68,000 (Allianz Arena)
Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)
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