Klopp’s Germany Beat Serbia 2-0 as Wirtz Shines and Baur Becomes 1,000th Player

Key points

• Germany won 2-0 against Serbia at the Allianz Arena on October 1, 2026.
• Tom Bischof scored the first goal in the 39th minute, followed by Florian Wirtz in the 61st minute.
• Mika Baur became the 1,000th different player to make an international appearance for Germany.
• Jonas Urbig kept a clean sheet in his debut for the national team.
• Germany controlled the match with 73% possession and a 4.05 expected goals (xG) advantage.

Background

Klopp’s tenure began with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands and a loss to Greece. This victory marks his first win as Germany manager. The team had previously struggled with injuries to key players like Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz. The match was part of a four-game international break where Klopp rotated a 44-player squad.

How outlets are covering it

Bavarian Football Works highlights the historic milestone of Mika Baur becoming the 1,000th player for Germany and notes the debut of goalkeeper Jonas Urbig. BBC Sport emphasizes Klopp’s praise for Florian Wirtz, noting his recent struggles at Liverpool and his exceptional performance in this match. Goal.com focuses on the tactical dominance, citing 73% possession and a significant xG gap, while rating Wirtz as the standout player. All sources agree on the final score and the significance of the win for Klopp’s early tenure.

Why it matters

This win provides a crucial confidence boost for Germany under a new manager and validates the tactical approach of Klopp. It also highlights the potential of younger players like Wirtz and Bischof, while marking a historic moment for the national team with Baur’s milestone appearance.

What to watch

Germany will continue their UEFA Nations League campaign. The team will likely rotate players further given the large squad size. Klopp’s next challenge will be to maintain this level of performance and integrate new players effectively.