Deniz Undav scores two goals to secure a Nations League victory for Germany in Zenica.
In a thrilling encounter at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, Germany continued their unbeaten run in the UEFA Nations League with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The win not only solidified their position at the top of Group A3 but also showcased the burgeoning talent of Deniz Undav, who netted both goals for the visitors.
The match kicked off with Germany asserting their dominance, and it wasn’t long before they broke the deadlock. On the half-hour mark, Florian Wirtz displayed his pace and intelligence by evading the offside trap to connect with a perfectly weighted ball from Joshua Kimmich. Wirtz’s vision allowed him to set up Undav, who calmly slotted the ball past Bosnia’s goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj, sending the German fans into raptures.
Just five minutes later, the hosts nearly found an equaliser when Ermedin Demirovic struck the crossbar. However, their hopes were dashed almost immediately. In a swift counter, Maximilian Mittelstadt delivered a delightful cross that Undav converted from close range, doubling Germany’s lead and leaving the Bosnian defence reeling.
As the match progressed, Undav appeared to have completed his hat-trick just before the hour mark, only to see his effort ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check. The German forward wasn’t the only one to be denied, as Serge Gnabry also found the flag raised against him, frustrating the visitors’ attempts to extend their lead.
With 20 minutes remaining, Bosnia and Herzegovina clawed their way back into the contest. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko rose majestically to meet a corner from Benjamin Tahirovic, nodding the ball home and igniting hopes of a comeback for the home side. However, despite their spirited efforts, Julian Nagelsmann’s men held firm, securing the three points and maintaining their strong start to the tournament.
As the final whistle blew, Germany celebrated a crucial victory, while Bosnia was left to ponder missed opportunities. The result not only highlights Germany’s attacking prowess but also sets the stage for an exciting continuation of the Nations League campaign.