Germany 0-1 Brazil: Player Ratings
Brazil eeked out a 1-0 win over Germany in Berlin with Gabriel Jesus' goal in the first half being the only difference between the two sides. The hosts dominated the possession throughout the match but could not carve out a decent chance to trouble the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Brazil's goal, on the other hand, came against the run of play as Willian was afforded far too much space on the right to put in a cross and Jesus obliged. This defeat brought an end to Germany's 22-match unbeaten run. On that note, let's take a look at how each player fared in the meeting between these two gigantic international sides:
Brazil
Alisson Becker: 7/10
The "Messi of goalkeepers", as suggested by his agent, is going from strength to strength with each passing game and this was another game where Alisson showed his worth to the side. Coming out of his line confidently to handle crosses, Alisson never looked shy to get hold of the ball or clear it long.
Dani Alves: 4/10
With Mario Gomez up front, Germany's tactic was to provide the towering forward with the best possible service. The Germans made full use of the flanks and almost bypassed Alves at will. Ahead of the World Cup, Alves needs to get some work done on his one on one defending.
Thiago Silva: 9/10
It was not Brazil's attack but their defence that got them over the line. And it was Silva who delivered an imperious performance and showed why he is considered as a world class defender.
He handled the physicality of Gomez and then Sandro Wagner pretty well and made life difficult for them in aerial duels. If it was not for Silva, Germany's ploy of going direct would have definitely earned them a goal.
Joao Miranda: 7/10
Miranda gave solid company to Silva at the back and looked assured in whatever he did. With this performance, he has ensured his ticket to Russia this summer.
Marcelo: 4/10
Just as Dani Alves, Marcelo also struggled to keep the crosses coming from his wing in check and hence, disappointed defensively.
Casemiro: 6/10
Casemiro shielded his backline decently on a majority of the occasions. But he missed Gundogan's run into the box in the first half which could have proved costly for the Selecaos.
Fernandinho: 6/10
The Manchester City man complimented Casemiro well and led Germany to have possession without penetration. He also kept the play ticking and controlled the tempo for Brazil in the second half.
Paulinho: 5/10
Paulinho could and should have displayed more attacking intent this season. Getting those runs into the box, that's what has made him a success at FC Barcelona, which was, unfortunately, lacking from the midfielder. But the midfield trio of Paulinho, Casemiro and Fernandinho can be commended for their intense pressing.
Philippe Coutinho: 6/10
Coutinho troubled the German backline on either side of the break with two decent efforts but failed to get his shot on target. His passing was alright but was the only player to be substituted in the second interval.
Willian: 7/10
The forward should brilliant work rate on the night and was effective with and without the ball. It was his cross that led to the solitary goal of the game.
Gabriel Jesus: 8/10
Jesus again showed why he is keeping Roberto Firmino out of the starting lineup with another goal-laden performance. Brazil never lose when Jesus scores and it was the case yet again as his header secured a crucial win (morally) over Germany.
Substitutions
Douglas Costa: 6/10
The Juventus man played the final quarter of the game. He used the width to his advantage and looked lively but could not produce an end product or a final ball in his cameo outing.