Germany enjoyed a comfortable start to life under Hansi Flick as they ran out 2-0 winners over minnows Liechtenstein in World Cup qualifying Group J.
Following a trophy laden 18-month stint at Bayern Munich, Flick replaced long-serving Germany coach Joachim Low after Euro 2020.
Liechtenstein s goal lived a charmed life throughout on Thursday, with it taking until the 41st minute for Timo Werner to break the deadlock.
The scoreline would have reflected Germany s dominance if not for Liechtenstein s goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel, yet Leroy Sane capped a fine individual display with a terrific strike to ensure there was no chance of a shock comeback.
Two of Flick s former Bayern players combined in the fourth minute, Sane teeing up Joshua Kimmich, who saw his on-target strike blocked.
Sane swiftly crafted another chance – Buchel making a fine stop to deny Werner – before Robin Gosens headed Kimmich s wonderful cross against the left-hand upright.
Germany s opener finally came with their 12th attempt of a one-sided contest, Werner slotting home from Jamal Musiala s flick after a brilliant run from the Bayern youngster.
Buchel somehow denied Germany a second before the hour, making a fantastic double save to keep out close-range efforts from both Gosens and Ilkay Gundogan.
Gosens finally seemed set to get his goal with a blistering strike that was destined for the top corner, yet Daniel Kaufmann s brave block summed up a stoic defensive effort from Liechtenstein.
Their resolve was finally punctured again in the 77th minute by Sane s brilliance, however, as the winger set himself up with some neat footwork before drilling a low finish across Buchel, emphatically making sure of the victory for new boss Flick.
It s points to kick off the Hansi era
