Germany humbled by the USA

Germany 1- 2 USA USA left it late, but they came out on top against World Champions in an International Friendly against Germany. Bobby wood struck from 20 yards out in the 87th Minute to give the United States a lead after Diskerud’s 41st minute strike cancelled out Martio Götze’s early opener. It is a wonderful end for young striker Bobby Wood, who also scored a late winner against Netherlands on 5th June.

The World Champions, started with an unfamiliar backline and Hannover’s Ron-Robert Zieler was in goal with regular keeper Manuel Neuer not even with the squad. Patrick Herrmann who made his debut for Germany was a constant menace down the right as he combined well with some of the German regular starters that included Özil, Schürrle, Götze. Local boy, Lukas Podolski was on the bench. Herrmann set up the first goal that gave the Germans a lead at Koln. The USA were kept in the game thanks to Brad Guzman who made fine saves in the first half to keep the World Champions at Bay.

The States who struggled with poor final passing, poor crossing for most of the game, out of nowhere combined for a brilliant move that allowed Diskerud to finish off a Michael Bradley cross. Throughout the second half, both teams altered their squads with each side using more than 5 substitutions (permitted in an International Friendly).

If the first half belonged to Germany in terms of overall play, the United States dominated the second half as they threatened Germany with more chances. The German’s did have a few chances of their own but could not finish. The best chance before the winner came in the 83rd Minute when Zieler’s outstretched leg prevented USA from scoring with wonderful one-two play between Bradley and Yedlin, who was a menace when he came on in the second half. The 87th Minute saw Evans find Wood, a late substitute for USA. He had a brilliant first touch, spun around and fired it past the German keeper for his winner. Recent Juventus signing, Sami Khedira almost equalised at the death, but his header bounced up the crossbar.

USA’s coach, Jürgen Klinsmann will be facing a selection dilemma, especially at the frontline as gets set to name a 23 man squad for the CONCAF Gold Cup. Young Wood, who plays in the German second division certainly has done no harm in showing his credentials for the squad. The Germans now prepare for their Euro 2016 qualifier against Gibraltar.