Germany secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Finland in their initial World Cup warm-up match, but there are concerns regarding the fitness of Deniz Undav.
The Stuttgart forward netted Germany’s first and third goals around halftime but sustained a knock while scoring his second.
He was substituted just four minutes later for Borussia Dortmund striker Maximilian Beier and went directly down the tunnel.
Undav capitalized on Kai Havertz’s absence, scoring twice and assisting Florian Wirtz, with the Arsenal forward having been involved in Saturday’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
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The 29-year-old took full advantage of his opportunity, marking his fifth and sixth goals in his last eight appearances for the national team, while also assisting Wirtz with a simple cross.
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann had expressed a desire to avoid over-experimenting as the team prepares, meaning Undav’s excellent performance may not guarantee him a spot in the starting line-up. Nonetheless, he reminded everyone of his importance to the squad.
The Germany manager fielded an attacking formation featuring Bayern Munich’s young talent Lennart Karl, who made his first start alongside Jamal Musiala and Wirtz in support of Undav.
Efforts from the Stuttgart striker (twice), Musiala, and Wirtz were thwarted by Lukas Hradecky before the home team broke the deadlock in the 34th minute.
Karl executed a short corner to club-mate Joshua Kimmich, whose cross was expertly met by Undav, who outmaneuvered Nikolai Alho and executed a precise stooping header.
Wirtz narrowly missed his shot from the edge of the box just before halftime but quickly found the back of the net three minutes after the break, benefiting from a defensive blunder and Undav’s persistence.
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Finland attempted to play out from a goal-kick, but Ville Koski failed to react quickly. Undav intervened, turning Koski’s error into a cross that allowed Liverpool‘s playmaker an easy tap-in from eight yards.
Nine minutes later, Undav scored his second by capitalizing on a through-ball from Karl, outmuscling Miettienen to find the back of the net despite the hit he took.
Aleksandar Pavlovic later set up Musiala for a powerful left-footed shot from the edge of the area, following Karl’s involvement in the play.
Nagelsmann’s squad will next face the U.S. in Chicago on June 6 for their final World Cup warm-up match before kicking off against Curacao on June 14 in Houston.