Germany Defeats Serbia 3-1 in UEFA Nations League as Brajan Gruda Steals the Spotlight

Germany strengthened their UEFA Nations League campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade on November 13. A fast start, a Florian Wirtz strike and a spectacular debut goal from Brajan Gruda helped Jürgen Klopp's side secure three valuable points in League A Group 2.

The visitors took control early, scoring twice in the opening 14 minutes before Gruda extended their advantage shortly after half-time. Serbia managed to pull one goal back through Srdjan Babic, but their hopes of a comeback faded as two players were sent off late in the match.

The result marked Klopp's second victory in his first five matches as Germany manager and kept the team firmly in contention for a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

Germany Make Flying Start Against Serbia

Germany wasted little time making their presence felt at the Stadion Rajko Mitić. Their opening goal arrived in the third minute when Kai Havertz met a corner with a header. Serbia defender Srdjan Babic inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net, giving the visitors an early lead.

The early setback put Serbia under pressure, and Germany continued to dictate the tempo with confident passing and attacking movement.

Their second goal arrived in the 14th minute. Havertz once again played an important role, getting a close-range effort on target that goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic managed to save. However, the rebound fell to Florian Wirtz, who made no mistake in guiding the ball over the line.

The goal gave Germany a comfortable 2-0 advantage and further demonstrated the attacking understanding between Wirtz and Havertz.

Serbia struggled to find a response during the opening half, with Germany controlling possession and creating further opportunities to extend their lead.

Brajan Gruda Scores Stunning Goal on Germany Debut

The highlight of the evening came just five minutes into the second half when Brajan Gruda announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion.

Making his Germany debut, the midfielder collected the ball inside his own half and launched an impressive solo run. He drove forward, moved past Serbian defenders and unleashed a powerful low shot from outside the penalty area to make it 3-0.

It was a memorable first international appearance for the Brighton midfielder, who is on loan at RB Leipzig. His goal showcased the pace, confidence and attacking quality that Germany will hope to see more of in the future.

Gruda's strike appeared to put the result beyond doubt, but Serbia managed to respond almost immediately.

Serbia Pull One Back Through Srdjan Babic

Serbia found their breakthrough in the 56th minute, with Babic making amends for his earlier own goal.

The defender reacted quickly after Marc-André ter Stegen pushed away a Nemanja Gudelj effort. Babic was in the right position to turn the rebound into the net, reducing Germany's lead to 3-1.

The goal briefly lifted the home side's hopes, and Serbia looked to build momentum in search of another breakthrough.

Germany, however, remained composed and continued to threaten on the counterattack. Derry Scherhant came close to adding a fourth when his effort struck the post, while Wirtz also tested the Serbian goalkeeper.

Serbia Finish Match With Nine Players After Two Red Cards

Serbia's difficult evening took another turn in the closing stages when they were reduced to 10 men.

Vanja Dragojevic received a straight red card in the 75th minute following a dangerous challenge on Germany captain Joshua Kimmich. The decision came after a VAR review, leaving the hosts with an uphill task.

The situation worsened in the 89th minute when Andrija Zivkovic was also sent off. His yellow card was upgraded to a red for dissent, meaning Serbia finished the contest with only nine players.

Germany comfortably managed the closing moments to secure a 3-1 away victory.

Germany Keep UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final Hopes Alive

The victory was important for Germany's position in League A Group 2. Following the result, Klopp's team moved to eight points from five matches, level with second-placed Greece. The Netherlands remained top of the group with 11 points after their emphatic 7-0 win over Greece.

With the top two teams progressing to the quarter-finals, Germany's final group fixture against the Netherlands on November 16 has become particularly important.

For Klopp, the victory offers another positive step as he continues to shape the national team. Although Germany have experienced a mixed start under the former Liverpool manager, performances from players such as Wirtz and Gruda provide reasons for optimism.

Serbia, on the other hand, remain bottom of the group without a point after five matches. They will look to finish their campaign on a positive note when they face Greece.

Germany's night in Belgrade was about more than three points. It was a display of attacking quality, promising new talent and resilience under pressure. With a crucial meeting against the Netherlands approaching, the win could prove decisive in their bid to reach the Nations League quarter-finals.