New-look Germany ease past Russia in friendly

A youthful Germany team easily beat Russia 3-0 as Joachim Loew began a rebuilding process following the summer's World Cup debacle with a simple friendly win.

Manchester City winger Leroy Sane and Bayern Munich pair Niklas Suele and Serge Gnabry claimed the first-half goals in Leipzig for head coach Loew's new-look Germany side on Thursday.

"We can be pleased with that, we were in top form in the first half," said goal-scorer Gnabry.

"We were a bit too passive after the break, but we will take the win.

"It doesn't matter how old this team is, look at someone like Kai (Havertz), he's only 19, but played really well." This was Germany's biggest victory and most convincing performance of 2018, a year which saw a record six defeats.

After so many lacklustre performances from the Germans in the last 12 months, Loew's spritely side came through thanks to some high-tempo football.

However the victory is no more than a confidence booster for Monday's crunch Nations League match at home to the Netherlands when Loew will recall his senior players.

The Germans, bottom of Group One in League A, are currently two points behind the Dutch, who play leaders France in Rotterdam on Friday.

Loew had talked down the importance of the Nations League and was talking up his rebuilding process in Leipzig in the wake of the woeful World Cup performance.

- Youthful -
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