Rudy and Volland start in Germany win over Spain

Ahead of the game in Vigo, which was played in pouring rain, Joachim Löw and Spain coach Vincent del Bosque greeted each other in a friendly manner. Löw selected a much changed squad which included the two Hoffenheim stars.

After the 4-0 victory over Gibraltar on Friday, Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng returned to their clubs injured, which meant that different players had the chance to take to the field and impress Löw: Sebastian Rudy and Kevin Volland were two players lucky enough to make the starting line-up. Volland, gaining his third international cap, started on the left side of the front three; Rudy played on the right of a five-man midfield.

Chances for Germany

The game started in a lively manner and saw chances for both sides. Nolito and Isco had efforts from long range for the hosts but were unable to find the net. Germany's first opportunity was made in Hoffenheim: Rudy crossed for Volland, who couldn't convert. After 20 minutes, Müller and Götze had chances to open the scoring, as did Rudy a few minutes later but his shot went over the bar. The half ended with Volland repaying the favour to his teammate. His ball into Rudy looked like creating a chance, but a Spanish defender cleared at the crucial moment.

Volland comes close, Kroos converts

The first chance of the second half went the way of Kevin Volland and Germany, but his effort was blocked. Spain were seeing less possession in the second half and Germany defended compactly, meaning chances were few and far between. Volland's 80th minute shot was scrambled to safety by back-up keeper Kiko Casilla, who came on for Iker Casillas.

Toni Kroos took inspiration from Volland and fired in a long range shot nine minutes later. The ball bounced up off the turf quickly and over the outstretched arms of the Spanish keeper to give Germany the lead. The game ensured that the DFB-Team end the year on a high note and showed that TSG players Rudy and Volland have the quality needed to be key players for the national side.