Germany left Italy embarrassed with a clever corner routine once mastered by Liverpool. The hosts capitalised on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s error during their Nations League clash in Dortmund.
There were no nerves on display despite Germany taking a narrow 2-1 lead into the second leg of the quarter-final. Julian Nagelsmann’s side were 3-0 up before half-time and Italy goalkeeper Donnarumma will not want to see the second goal again. After making an excellent save to deny Tim Kleindienst, the Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper lost all concentration.
Donnarumma believed he had more time after watching the ball spin behind the goal and into the crowd. The 26-year-old walked outside his six-yard box to speak to his defenders and referee Szymon Marciniak.
Germany captain Joshua Kimmich spotted an opportunity to use a spare ball positioned near the corner flag and played a quick pass into the penalty area. His Bayern Munich team-mate Jamal Musiala was also aware of Donnarumma’s lapse in concentration and waited for the ball to arrive inside the six-yard box before tapping into an open goal.
The bizarre scene saw Donnarumma still arguing with Marciniak when Musiala received the ball. The Italy captain realised too late and was not able to rush back to his goal in time. He then stood in the six-yard box looking frustrated as Germany celebrated.
It was a perfectly legitimate goal and handed Germany a strong advantage in the first half.
Liverpool fans will remember a very similar routine from their 2019 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. The Spanish side were unfocused as Trent Alexander-Arnold played a quick corner to Divock Origi to score in a 4-0 win.
The Reds’ pre-match analysis had identified that Barca were slow to get into position at set-pieces. Ball boys were urged to return the ball quickly to Liverpool players when it went out of play. Oakley Cannonier, who is now a 20-year-old forward in the Liverpool academy, handed the ball to Alexander-Arnold to take the quick corner.
It was perhaps similar analysis that alerted Kimmich and Musiala to respond quickly to the corner.
Kimmich was in excellent form for Germany, bagging two assists and a goal. He struck the opener from the penalty spot before setting up Musiala’s strike. He then claimed the assist for Kleindienst’s goal.