Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sochi: Australia began their FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group B campaign with a 3-2 defeat to Germany on Monday at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi.
Despite a bright start by the Socceroos, Julian Brandt's run and clever cutback teed up Lars Stindl to open the scoring, with his first goal for Germany on five minutes.
Joachim Low's side were, however, punished for not increasing their lead after concerted pressure, as Tom Rogic's shot squirmed underneath Bernd Leno to bring the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions level.
Within five minutes, Leon Goretzka was brought down by Massimo Luongo in the Australian penalty area and captain Julian Draxler stepped up to slot the ball home, sending Maty Ryan the wrong way.
After the break, Joshua Kimmich's lovely dinked through ball teed up Goretzka to extend the German lead, before Leno spilled a deflected Rogic shot into the path of Tomi Juric, whose goal was validated by a VAR review. Substitute Timo Werner later hit the post as Germany controlled proceedings despite the slender lead.
Australia: ROGIC 41', JURIC 56'
Germany: STINDL 5', DRAXLER 44' PEN, GORETZKA 48'
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/australia_germany2_jpg.html
