Germany will look to strengthen their grip at the top of League A Group 3 when they face Bosnia-Herzegovina at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica on Friday. Julian Nagelsmann’s men lead the group, while their hosts are still seeking their first win of the campaign.
Match Preview
Germany’s Nations League campaign
After suffering the disappointment of a quarter-final exit in their home European Championship, Germany began their Nations League campaign with a statement 5-0 win over Hungary, with five different players getting on the scoresheet. They followed this up with a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, which saw them concede a late equalizer from Denzel Dumfries, leaving them on four points from two games.
Germany’s defense, however, has been solid, allowing them to top the group on goal difference. A second-place finish in the group would still guarantee a spot in the quarter-finals. Despite their strong start, Germany has had trouble with away form, winning only four of their last 13 away games and just one of their nine away Nations League matches.
Bosnia-Herzegovina’s struggles
Bosnia-Herzegovina has had a turbulent Nations League journey, bouncing between League B and League A since the tournament’s inception. They currently sit third in the group, only ahead of Hungary on goal difference. The Dragons began their campaign with a 5-2 defeat against the Netherlands and followed that with a goalless draw against Hungary.
That draw did, however, end a streak of seven consecutive defeats for Bosnia, who also failed to qualify for Euro 2024. They have not qualified for a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup, but they have shown resilience at home in the Nations League, winning their last three home games in the competition.
Head-to-head
Germany has a strong record against Bosnia, winning their most recent encounter 3-1 in a friendly in 2010. Bosnia has yet to defeat Germany as an independent nation.
Team News
Germany
Germany will be without a few key players, including Kai Havertz, who has been managing a minor knee injury, and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala. David Raum, Benjamin Henrichs, and Robin Koch are also unavailable. As a result, Robin Gosens, Kevin Schade, and uncapped players Jamie Leweling and Jonathan Burkardt have been called up.
Germany will have a new face in goal as none of the selected goalkeepers – Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nubel, and Janis Blaswich – have ever played for the national team. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is retired, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen is sidelined with a long-term injury.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia’s only injury concern is midfielder Ifet Dakovac, who has yet to make his senior debut. Fenerbahce forward Edin Dzeko, now 38, continues to lead the line for Bosnia and has been in fine form this season, scoring nine goals in 13 games. He will likely partner Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic up front, while Sead Kolasinac will marshal the defense.
Possible Lineups
Bosnia-Herzegovina:
- GK: Vasilj
- DEF: Gazibegovic, Kolasinac, Bicakcic, Katic, Dedic
- MID: Tahorivic, Hajradanovic, Basic
- FWD: Demirovic, Dzeko
Germany:
- GK: Baumann
- DEF: Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Mittelstadt
- MID: Wirtz, Andrich, Gross, Gnabry
- FWD: Undav, Burkardt
Prediction
Despite being without several key players, Germany’s depth should allow them to overcome a Bosnia side that has struggled for form. The visitors are expected to secure a comfortable victory ahead of their crucial match against the Netherlands.
Prediction: Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-3 Germany
