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Gotze revels in Germany false nine role after Kazakhstan win

The promising forward was asked to lead the line on Friday evening, and a goalscoring performance to take down the Kazakhs provides another option up front for coach Low

Borussia Dortmund and Germany starlet Mario Gotze has affirmed that he is happy to play in a more advanced role for the national team, speaking after his country took another step towards the 2014 World Cup with victory over Kazakhstan.

Gotze, 20, hit the net in the first half on Friday evening with a smart finish from close range, doubling the away team's advantage after Bastian Schweinsteiger had given Germany the lead.

Joachim Low's men eventually ran out 3-0 winners over the Group C strugglers, vindicating the coach's decision to play Mario in the false nine position in the absence of orthodox strikers such as Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose.

Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Gotze confirmed that he had no problem appearing in the unfamiliar position, while adding that Low ultimately was the man responsible for team selection.

"[Playing false nine] is a lot of fun. But you have to ask the coach about that. It is a model to stay flexible. Everything in addition to that you should ask the coach," the youngster explained to ZDF following the triumph.

Fellow goalscorer Thomas Muller, meanwhile, highlighted a job well done as Germany return from the away fixture with maximum points.

"Three points, those are what remain [from this match]. The first half was pretty good, in the second half there were some scenes we have to talk about. But that's it.“

Germany now hold a five-point lead over nearest group challengers Sweden, having played one more game, after the Kazakhstan win meant that Gotze & Co. have picked up five victories from their opening five qualifying fixtures.


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