Germany 3-0 Iceland: Player ratings as Joshua Kimmich inspires Die Mannschaft to stylish win

Joshua Kimmich inspired Germany to a 3-0 victory over Iceland on Thursday night, with goals from Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan giving them a convincing win in their opening match of Group J in World Cup qualifying.

The hosts needed just two minutes to go ahead as Kimmich's beautiful pass was cushioned into the path of Goretzka by Serge Gnabry for the midfielder to neatly finish into the bottom corner. Die Mannschaft then doubled their lead in the seventh minute when Kimmich brilliantly slotted Leroy Sane through, who pulled the ball back for Havertz to sweep into the net.

Joachim Low's men continued to search for goals after half time and found the net once more after 56 minutes. Gnabry found Gundogan, who sidestepped his man before finding the bottom corner of Hannes Haldorsson's net from just over 20 yards out.

Die Mannschaft pressed further but could only find the woodwork through Gnabry and eventually ran out 3-0 winners to get their World Cup qualification campaign off to the perfect start in Group J. Now, let's see how the Germans rated.

Germany player ratings

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Manuel Neuer (GK) - 6/10 - Was forced into one easy stop throughout. Probably could have used the time to read Thursday's issue of Bild, to be honest.

Lukas Klostermann (RB) - 7/10 - Very energetic down the right, almost acting like a wing back as Havertz drifted inside for the most part. Didn't exactly impose himself in advanced areas but made six ball recoveries.

Matthias Ginter (CB) - 6/10 - Made one ball recovery throughout and maintained a passing accuracy of 96% which, given Germany's domination, is all you could ask of him.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - 8/10 - Passer in chief at the back with 97% accuracy and got the ball efficiently into the midfield. Was also very solid in defence, notably making a goal-saving block in the first half.

Emre Can (LB) - 7/10 - Had virtually nothing to do defensively but used the time he was afforded on the ball to very good effect, notching three key passes.

2. Midfielders

Leon Goretzka (CM) - 7/10 - A true powerhouse in the centre of the pitch and was frighteningly dangerous when breaking forward, doing well to finish for the first goal.

Joshua Kimmich (CM) - 10/10 - Influential isn't the word. Was the architect and dictator of his side's liquid football with astounding vision and beautiful passing - a truly phenomenal and masterful display.

Ilkay Gundogan (CM) - 8/10 - Was industrious in midfield, making six ball recoveries as well as making an impact going forward (obviously). Made four key passes and scored brilliantly for 3-0.

3. Forwards

Kai Havertz (RW) - 7/10 - Drifted inside when his team advanced up the field but found it difficult to impact the game due to Iceland's condensed shape. Did manage to grab the second with a good finish, though.

Serge Gnabry (ST) - 9/10 - Linked play up beautifully thanks to his brilliant movement and spatial awareness throughout, providing the assists for Germany's first and third goals. Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself, hitting the post on 70 minutes.

Leroy Sane (LW) - 7/10 - Was really bright and dangerous throughout, constantly driving into the final third with menace. Provided a neat assist for Germany's second.

4. Substitutes

Florian Neuhaus (CM) - 6/10

Timo Werner (LW) - 6/10

Jamal Musiala (RW) - 6/10

Amin Younes (ST) - N/A