Germany’s World Cup title defence got off to a good start on Sunday night, as Joachim Löw’s side secured a 3-0 win over Norway in their first qualifying match for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Thanks to a brace from Thomas Müller, and a maiden international goal for Joshua Kimmich, Die Mannschaft are now unbeaten in 42 consecutive World Cup qualifiers.

The World Champions lead the way in Group C, with Azerbaijan having beaten San Marino just 1-0, and the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland playing out a 0-0 draw.

Eleven EURO 2016 participants in the starting XI

Manuel Neuer led out Die Mannschaft as official team captain for the first time, with a back four of Joshua Kimmich, Mats Hummels, Benedikt Höwedes and Jonas Hector in front of him. Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira sat in midfield behind the attacking trio of Julian Draxler, Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller, while Mario Götze led the line in the absence of the injured Mario Gomez.

Germany immediately took control in the Ulllevaal Stadium, camping on the edge of the Norway box. The hosts packed out the defence though, making life difficult for Joachim Löw’s men. In fact, it was Norway who had the first big chance of the game. Joshua King bore down on goal after a wayward pass from Hummels, but Höwedes spared his teammate’s blushes with a brilliant rescuing tackle.

Müller back on the scoresheet

The ball was soon moving in the other direction though. A Draxler cross from the left after eight minutes found Müller, but his header slipped just wide of the target. The Bayern man then turned provider moments later, pulling the ball back from the byline to Höwedes twelve yards out, and this time a fine save from Norway keeper Rune Jarstein was required to keep the ball from finding the back of the net.

Norway were struggling to cope with the waves of Germany attacks, and the opening goal after 16 minutes was almost inevitable. Özil fed Müller on the penalty spot, and in his inimitable Thomas Müller style he forced the ball past Jarstein and into the net to make it 1-0. It was a welcome end to a dry spell for the Bayern forward, with his previous competitive goal at international level coming on 11th October 2015 in a 2-1 win over Georgia.

Kimmich bags maiden goal

Two minutes later, Joshua Kimmich had the chance to make it a quickfire double, but the Norwegian Hertha keeper was on hand to make the save. Kimmich was involved in the next clear-cut chance too, although it came at the other end. A pass from Haitam Aleesami to Diomande was intercepted by the FCB youngster, only for the ball to deflect kindly into the path of Joshua King. The Bournemouth striker unleashed a venomous shot from 20 yards, but fortunately it flew narrowly over the top of Manuel Neuer’s goal.

Germany responded to the danger though with quick play from Draxler and Özil. The ball worked its way to Müller in the box and he in turn tried to pick out Götze, but a last-ditch challenge from Havard Nordtveit saw Norway survive. Özil was growing into the game in the number 10 role in his 81st Germany fixture, and had a hand in the next big opportunity too. His ball out wide to Kimmich was followed by a cross into the box, although Müller could only direct his header into Jarstein’s hands.