Bischof, Wirtz give Klopp first Germany win in Nations League

Germany earned its first victory under Jurgen Klopp as goals from Tom Bischof and Florian Wirtz secured a 2-0 UEFA Nations League win over Serbia in Munich on Thursday, reported Xinhua.

The victory came at the third attempt for Klopp after Germany opened its campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Greece.

Klopp reshaped his starting lineup, handing senior debuts to goalkeeper Jonas Urbig and Derry Scherhant. Serge Gnabry captained the team in Joshua Kimmich's absence.

Germany controlled the game from the outset. Alexander Pavlovic narrowly missed from the edge of the area before Gnabry fired wide and was later denied by goalkeeper Dordje Petrovic.

Serbia created its best opening of the first half in the 32nd minute when Filip Kostic delivered toward Kosta Nedeljkovic, who narrowly failed to connect at the far post.

Germany broke through seven minutes later. Wirtz struck the post after being found inside the area, and Bischof reacted quickest to the rebound, firing home from close range.

Said El Mala replaced Gnabry at halftime for his Germany debut, with Wirtz taking over the captain's armband.

El Mala and Nick Woltemade both went close after the restart before Wirtz doubled the advantage in the 61st minute. Maximilian Mittelstadt picked out the midfielder, who controlled the ball, moved beyond Srdjan Babic and finished into the right side of the net.

"The fans were fully behind us. We had a lot of chances and could have scored more goals and made life easier for ourselves," Bischof said.

Serbia offered little attacking threat thereafter.

"I liked everything about it. Everyone was there in our pressing moments, we were outstanding without the ball and played some really good football with it. I'm really happy with the performance," Klopp said.

Greece leads Group 2 with seven points after three rounds, followed by the Netherlands on five and Germany on four. Serbia remains bottom without a point.

Germany travels to Thessaloniki to face Greece on Oct. 4, while Serbia visits the Netherlands.