Germany vs. Ireland: Germany player ratings
October 15, 2014![EM-Qualifikation 2014 Deutschland - Irland](https://static.dw.com/image/17996381_800.webp)
Manuel Neuer - 6
Almost impossible to grade based on how little he was tested. Was alive to Keane's presence straight after the restart, and wasn't at fault for the goal either. A frustrating night for the goalkeeper.
Antonio Rüdiger - 6
Had a lot of touches, again, and appeared to be everywhere in the first half. Needs to improve his delivery and avoid being caught in one-on-one situations - James McClean showed him a clean set of heels in the first half.
Mats Hummels - 5
A tough night for the BVB man. Was pretty good in the air and made a lot of positive runs forward to try and instigate something in attack. Sadly though, he was late to react to the equalizer and was caught man marking rather than attacking the ball (which at that moment he needed to).
Jerome Boateng - 6
Quiet and tried a few shots from range, but was there when needed. Not much to see, good or bad, in either game from Germany's best defender in Brazil.
Erik Durm - 7
Despite not closing down the cross that led to the goal, Durm had one of his better performances in a Germany shirt. He was lively and keen to improve on the mistakes of the weekend. He nearly scored early on, but it was his work ethic that impressed. He looked like a piece that fitted the jigsaw for the build-up that led to Kroos' goal.
Toni Kroos - 8
Stepped up. Perhaps knowing Ginter wouldn't stray forward, Kroos took the midfield reins. It might not have been that aggressive in the first half, but in the second he took on the responsibility role well. Must do this more consistently in the future for Germany.
Matthias Ginter - 6 (brought off 45')
He supported Kroos well in the first half, but the pace of the game seemed to pass him by and was deemed surplus to requirements at the break.
Karim Bellarabi - 7 (brought off 87')
Another good outing with plenty of promise, if fewer chances this time. Quickly becoming a regular part of the attacking outlay.
Mario Götze - 4
Grew into the game and might have scored late on after neat work by Kroos and Müller, but was far too short on inspiration, something he is required to provide, for large periods. Unlucky not to get a penalty though.
Julian Draxler - 4 (brought off 70')
Like Götze, flirted with the idea of creating but then drifted.
Thomas Müller - 4
Had another tough night where his touch wasn't right and he couldn't get free.
Substitutes:
Lukas Podolski (45' for Ginter) - 5
Started brightly but drifted quickly. Wanted a penalty for nothing. Looks like a man in need of game time.
Max Kruse (70' for Draxler) - 5
Some good passes, but came on to a field of unease and suffered for it
Sebastian Rudy (87' for Bellarabi) - N/A
Too late to make an impact