Confederations Cup 2017: Germans Edge Past Socceroos
Highlights:
- Germany defeated Australia 3-2
- This was Germanys’s first match in the tournament since 2005
- Germany are second in Group B
Fresh-faced Germany was made to work harder than expected in their 3-2 victory over Australia in their Confederations Cup group B first in Sochi. With half a dozen key players rested this summer ahead of next year’s World Cup title defense in Russia, Germany coach Joachim Loew brought a young team to Russia and the world champions’ young squad is clearly still adjusting to tournament life. Low named seven uncapped players in his Confederations Cup squad after resting experienced keeper Manuel Neuer, Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil, defender Mats Hummels and forward Thomas Muller.
Germany started strong playing an exciting brand of football, starting the score in the fifth minute itself. The Germans outsprinted their opponents, with Lars Stindl converting a perfectly timed cutback from Julian Brandt to put them ahead. They still should have had an easier afternoon were it not for their wasted scoring chances. They squandered a bagful of easy chances and were punished when Tommy Rogic scored out of nowhere. The Socceroos pleasure was short lived though as Germany earned a penalty soon after which was scored by Captain Julian Draxler. German goalkeeper Leno had a howler as he let a shot slip out of his hands and Tomi Juric tapped in as Germany paid the price of their poor conversion rate. Video assistant referee (VAR) which is being used in the tournament was used to review the goal for handball and ruled in the Australian’s favor. Germany looked vulnerable in the last few minutes but at the same time looked likelier scorers than Australia and managed to hang on to win 3-2.
Germany played really well in the first half, but perhaps found things too easy, allowing Australia back into the game twice. Australia, meanwhile, will wonder what might’ve been if they’d started properly and given the German’s a stronger fight.
Tournament favorites Germany next take on Chile, who beat Cameroon 2-0 on Sunday, on Thursday (19:00 BST) in Kazan. With two of the strongest teams in the tournament squaring off, you wouldn’t want to miss it. The match can be watched on Sony Six and Sony ESPN in India.
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