In recent Nations League quarter-finals, the German national team demonstrated their aerial strength, scoring three out of five goals with headers, led by Tim Kleindienst. Coach Julian Nagelsmann praised their performance despite a second-half setback against Italy. Key moments included Jamal Musiala’s goal from a quick corner by Joshua Kimmich, who assisted four goals in total. With Kleindienst emerging as a vital forward, the team’s header strategy is revitalizing their attack ahead of the Final Four in June.
German National Team’s Header Dominance in the Nations League
In the thrilling quarter-final matches of the Nations League against Italy, the German national football team showcased their aerial prowess by scoring three out of five goals with headers. A key player contributing to this success is Tim Kleindienst.
Julian Nagelsmann, the national coach, emphasized this development as a crucial milestone, noting that the performance on March 23, 2025, after a dramatic 3:3 draw in Dortmund, had many positives to offer despite the team losing the second half 0:3 in front of their home crowd.
Preparation and Execution: A Masterclass in Corner Kicks
The standout moment came from an unexpectedly spectacular corner kick leading to Jamal Musiala’s second goal. Kleindienst recalled the first half as “absolute madness,” highlighting a “flash of genius” from Joshua Kimmich, who executed the corner quickly thanks to the cooperation of ball boy Noel Urbaniak.
Antonio Rüdiger initiated the play with a precise cross to Kleindienst, whose powerful header was deflected by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, resulting in a corner. Just before halftime, Donnarumma’s mistake nearly cost Italy again, as he inadvertently knocked the ball against the post after it had already crossed the line, showcasing Kimmich’s critical role by assisting four of the five goals in the two matches.
With headers becoming a significant aspect of their strategy, the German team is tapping into this strength effectively. On Thursday in Milan, Kleindienst scored the equalizer with a header from Kimmich’s perfect delivery, while Leon Goretzka secured the victory with another headed goal from a Kimmich corner—marking the first time since 2017 that the German team scored two headers in a single match.
In 2025 alone, they have already netted three headed goals across two matches, a notable improvement compared to previous years where headed goals were scarce. Kimmich’s ability to deliver powerful crosses from the full-back position, combined with Kleindienst’s exceptional heading skills, has revitalized the German attack.
Kleindienst’s impressive record of scoring nine headed goals out of his 29 Bundesliga goals this season, with six headers already in the league, showcases his growing prominence in the national team. His ability to win aerial duels and assist teammates further solidifies his role as a key player.
With Niclas Füllkrug injured, Kleindienst has stepped up as a primary option for a traditional center forward, boasting an impressive tally of four goals in just six international appearances. While Kai Havertz remains the starting option, his injury opens the door for Kleindienst to shine even brighter.
Defensively, the team has also excelled in aerial challenges, with Antonio Rüdiger and Jonathan Tah effectively limiting opponents’ chances to score from headers. However, Germany’s quarter-final exit in the 2024 European Championship still looms as a reminder of their vulnerabilities.
The upcoming Final Four of the Nations League in June presents an opportunity for revenge against Spain, although Nagelsmann is cautious about the tournament’s significance compared to the upcoming World Cup in 2026. As the team gears up for the future, one thing is clear: their header game is thriving, setting the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.