Cologne, June 11 (IANS) Juergen Klinsmann-coached US upset reigning world champions Germany with a 2-1 comeback win, thanks to a late decider by Bobby Wood in an international football friendly here.
Wasteful Germans gave away a 1-0 lead as Mikkel Diskerud cancelled out Mario Goetze’s early opener before Wood’s hammer wrapped up a late victory for the US on Wednesday night, reports Xinhua.
Germany caught a bright start on home soil after dictating the pace. Debutant Patrick Herrmann danced through US’ defence to set up for Goetze, who slotted home from 11 metres into the bottom right (12th minute).
The hosts controlled proceedings but failed to make use of their promising chances. Goetze had the 2-0 lead on his foot but he was unable to overcome US goalkeeper Brad Guzan, following a one-on-one (31st). Andre Schuerrle squandered another opportunity as he headed into the arms of Guzan from very close range moments later.
US punished Germany’s wastefulness just before the break when Diskerud tapped home Michael Bradley’s long diagonal-pass into the box.
After the restart, Germany’s offensive actions eased off whereas US piled on the pressure. Bradley’s effort forced Germany goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler to make a diving save (83rd).
However, Bradley’s shot on target was just a foretaste of what was to come as Wood unleashed a left-footed hammer from 18m to beat Zieler into the bottom right with just three minutes remaining in the game.
Germany turned up but Sami Khedira’s header in the dying minutes rattled just the bar.
“I am very happy with the first half but in the second half the stamina of players dwindled. As a consequence, we just couldn’t keep up in the closing period,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said.
Germany encounter Gibraltar on the road for Euro 2016 qualifiers on Saturday.