Spain's Sergio Ramos in action with Switzerland's Ruben Vargas. (Reuters Photo)
Reuters
Germany scored once in either half to beat hosts Ukraine 2-1 in the Nations League on Saturday for their first win in four matches and their first ever victory in this competition.
Matthias Ginter put them ahead in the 20th minutes after good work from Antonio Ruediger, and Leon Goretzka pounced on a mistake by Ukraine keeper Georgiy Bushchan to head in their second goal four minutes after the restart.
Despite having the rested Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig players back in the line-up, the Germans, who did not win a game in the 2018/19 edition, were far from their best.
In a sloppy first half they repeatedly lost possession, allowing Ukraine to quickly counter attack before Ginter's goal settled their nerves.
Having conceded equalisers in each of their three previous matches, Germany were eager to add to their lead on Saturday and carved out several good chances.
But Bushchan had a good day making a string of saves before he let the ball slip out of his hands, allowing Goretzka to score in the 49th.
He then again was on hand to stop them scoring, superbly palming a Serge Gnabry shot wide.
A 77th minute penalty by Ruslan Malinovskyi woke up the 20,000 crowd allowed in the Ukrainian capital's Olympic stadium but the Germans managed to protect their lead despite desperate late attacks from the hosts.
On Tuesday Ukraine host Spain while the Germans take on Switzerland.
Spain edge Switzerland
Mikel Oyarzabal scored early to help an underwhelming Spain secure a scrappy 1-0 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League on Saturday, keeping them top of their group.
The Real Sociedad forward snatched the only goal of the game in the 14th minute after Switzerland tried to play the ball out from the back but failed miserably, leaving Oyarzabal with a simple finish.
Barcelona's teenage talent Ansu Fati and Oyarzabal spurned further chances as Luis Enrique's side failed to add to their lead.
Spain lead League A Group 4 with seven points from three games, two points ahead of Germany, who beat Ukraine 2-1.
Former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique had picked an experimental side with plenty of youth and Spain did enough to win but were far from their best at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium at Real Madrid's training ground.
