Germany vs. Czech Republic: Player Ratings

Joachim Löw tried out a new tactical approach that saw Germany play with just one holding midfielder. The longer the game went on, the bigger a problem that became.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 6

A few good low saves from the back up keeper, but also an unnecessary punch that had Mats Hummels confused. Could do nothing on the goal.

Jonas Hector – 5

Positionally a little vulnerable at times and a little sloppier than usual.

Mats Hummels – 9

Almost single-handedly dragged Germany to victory. Pushed up perfectly to start the move for the opener, led the defense throughout and deserved his goal, which he took expertly.

Matthias Ginter – 5

Quietly did his job on an uncomfortable night for Germany's defense, but was grateful for Hummels' presence.

Joshua Kimmich – 5

Worked tirelessly down the right and his passes were often tidy, but sometimes errant. Relatively quiet for his standards.

Lars Stindl – 6

Should have scored a second for Germany after Thomas Müller's pass, but still showed solid understanding of his role in the team.

Toni Kroos – 6

Spread possession well early on to stretch Czechs and delivered a dime for Hummels' winner, but as Germany lost their shape he did too and struggled without support in a top-heavy formation.

Julian Brandt – 5

Quiet in the first half and then memorable in the second for the wrong reasons. Misplaced passes and poor one-on-one execution didn't help his stock on a night when he could have excelled. Replaced after an hour.

Mesut Özil – 7

Passing, movement and vision was excellent as he reveled in being the key man for Germany's attacks, but faded after an hour along with his team.

Thomas Müller – 6

Wore the captain's armband and looked far more like the Thomas Müller that Germany fans know than his club form of late. In a free role, Müller looked brighter but like his team, couldn't utilize the space as the game wore on.

Timo Werner – 7

Great run and finish for the opener. His movement was excellent and he might have nabbed a second, but as Germany struggled, it was tough for him to get into the game.

Substitutes:

Antonio Rüdiger (Brandt) – 5 Came on after an hour to give more stability at the back, but struggled to provide as much as intended.

Julian Draxler (Stindl) – 5 Wasn't able to do much with 23 minutes off the bench to suggest starting him would have been the right thing.

Emre Can (Werner) – 5 Needed more than 10 minutes to conjure up some of his magic domestic form.