Kimmich hails Germany's 'step in the right direction' after Luxembourg thrashing
Germany are top of World Cup qualifying Group A after they stormed to a 4-0 win over Luxembourg, with Joshua Kimmich netting twice.
Joshua Kimmich hailed a "step in the right direction" for Germany after he played a starring role in a 4-0 win over 10-man Luxembourg.
Germany cruised to victory at PreZero Arena on Friday, with Kimmich scoring twice as Julian Nagelsmann's team eased to the top of World Cup qualifying Group A.
After losing to Slovakia in their opening qualifier last month, Germany have now won back-to-back matches.
David Raum's first Germany goal put them ahead against Luxembourg, who then had Dirk Carlson sent off. Kimmich scored from the penalty spot before doubling his tally early in the second half, after Serge Gnabry had struck.
"It was important to win, but also the way we played," Kimmich said.
"The principles and the attitude were there. We've seen from the first minute that we were determined to win.
"We had good energy, we defended the transitions well, the pressing was good, the set pieces were good. It was a step in the right direction."
Kimmich, who has now overtaken the great Franz Beckenbauer for Germany caps, having made his 104th appearance for his country, also set up two chances and played in 10 crosses from his position at right-back.
"In the end the coach decides," said Kimmich when discussing his role.
"I clearly said that I'm happy to play where the coach sees me. At Bayern I'm very clearly a [midfielder]. In the national team, the coach decides."
Germany had 31 shots in total, with eight of those hitting the target, as the hosts generated 3.89 expected goals (xG) to Luxembourg's 0.03, with the minnows managing just one attempt.
"We can be satisfied with the performance and result. The circumstances were a bit special after their early red card," said Kimmich's team-mate Leon Goretzka, who won an impressive seven out of his nine duels.
"Many things that we didn't do well in recent games, we did them better. We were active off the ball, the body language was positive. We also moved the ball quickly. As I said we did many things better than recently."
It was a sentiment echoed by Nagelsmann, who still sees room for improvement.
"Not everything was perfect but we did many things right," he said.
"The desire was definitely there, though we could've scored more goals. The opponent sat deep, and then even deeper after the red card.
"When you play against a team that sits this deep, then having a man more is irrelevant. In the end we deserved the win, which was much needed.
"We pressed well and won the ball back quickly. It's not always easy to create chances when all opposing players are in their box."
Germany's focus now turns to facing Northern Ireland in Belfast on Monday.
