Last-gasp scorcher helps Germany beat Costa Rica
MARGAO: In the end Germany needed a late winner from substitute Noah Awuku to get past spirited Costa Rica 2-1 in their Group C opener at the Nehru Stadium on Saturday.
Germany had created a host of chances but couldn’t capitalise on them and it looked like the match was heading towards a draw but Awuku was at the right place at the right time to net the winner in the 89th minute.
The opportunity came after Costa Rica centre-back Fernan Faerron failed to clear a regulation cross from the right side of the midfield. Awuku blasted it into the net which sparked wild celebration in the German camp.
German coach Christian Wuck was happy with the result but not with the scoreline. He thought they should have won by a bigger margin.
‘NERVOUS START’
“For the first 10 minutes every player on the pitch was very nervous. But they regained their composure and we created many chances but couldn’t score. We could have won by a huge margin if we were clinical. I don’t know what was the problem. Maybe it was the pitch. Maybe the weather,” said Wuck after the victory. “We scored lot of goals at the European Championship. We should score here as well,” he said.
Germany’s opener was scored by Jann-Fiete Arp in the 21st. Costa Rica equalised against the run of play through Andres Gomez in the 64th minute.
The Central Americans had their chances as well but like Germany they were also guilty of thrown away numerous that came their way.