Brazil in ominous form, problems in plenty for Germany, Argentina
Sahlawi grabbing a shock equaliser. Having failed to win any of their previous five games, including a shock 1- 2 defeat at neighbours Austria last Saturday, a full- strength German team dominated for long spells in Leverkusen.
Germany grabbed the lead after just eight minutes when a Joshua Kimmich long ball was beautifully controlled by Reus, who squared Werner to fire home.
The second goal came just before the half- time whistle when Werner’s cross for Thomas Mueller was tapped into his own net by Hawsawi.
With 15 minutes left, Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt nearly made it 3- 0 when he fired wide before the visitors gave the Germans a nervous final 10 for Moscow, June 9: Neymar’s acclaimed return ahead of the World Cup supplied Brazil with an immeasurable boost, but holders Germany and Argentina arrive at the tournament confronting inconsistent form and disrupted preparations.
The Paris Saint- Germain superstar’s swashbuckling display in a 45- minute appearance against Croatia last weekend largely dismissed lingering concerns over his fitness after more than three months out with a fractured foot. The 26- yearold admitted he was only at “80 per cent” but promised he would be raring to go come Brazil’s first game at the finals against Switzerland on June 17.
Brazil’s form under Tite, appointed midway through a faltering qualifying campaign, suggests it will be difficult to stop the five- time world champions from adding another title in Russia. A reinvigorated Selecao have won 16 of 20 matches with the former Corinthians boss at the helm, a 0- 1 loss to Argentina last year in Melbourne the only defeat since he took charge.
Spain, unbeaten since Julen Lopetegui was named coach after Euro 2016, are back among the genuine contenders after a catastrophic 2014 World Cup and another early exit the European Championship. minutes.
Germany face Mexico in their opening World Cup match in Moscow on June 17, also facing Sweden in Sochi and South Korea in Kazan in Group F.
Saudi, coached by exChile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi, also play Uruguay and Egypt in Group A.
Croatia
Spain cruised through a qualifying section featuring Italy, and delivered a further warning to their World Cup rivals with a 6- 1 demolition of Argentina in March. But they will be tested immediately in Russia when they launch their group stage campaign against Portugal on June 15.
TROUBLE AHEAD FOR
TITLE HOLDERS? Manuel Neuer’s comeback following eight months out with a foot injury has given Germany a much- needed shot in the arm, with Kramaric staked a claim to break into their starting line- up after scoring the winner in a comeback 2- 1 home win over Senegal.
Hosts Croatia fell behind to an Ismaila Sarr goal in the 48th minute in Osijek.
Ivan Perisic equalised with a free kick before Kramaric showed a killer instinct in the penalty area, drilling in a rebound after a Senegalese defender Joachim Loew’s side struggling to hit their stride ahead of their title defence.
An unconvincing 2- 1 win over Saudi Arabia on Friday halted Germany’s fivematch winless run.
Argentina’s build- up was jolted by the cancellation of a controversial friendly against Israel in Jerusalem, a fixture set to be their final outing ahead of the Cup.
The sold- out game had been due to take place on Saturday but was hotly opposed by Palestinians, who claim the eastern part of the city, annexed by blocked his first shot.
In Lugano, Switzerland striker Haris Seferovic scored the second goal in a 2- 0 win over Japan.
Ricardo Rodriguez provided the lead with a penalty four minutes before halftime in Lugano, Switzerland.
Seferovic then finished off a well- worked move in the 82nd minute for his team’s second goal. Israel, as the capital of their future state.
With goalkeeper Sergio Romero already ruled out, Argentina’s plans were further complicated by the loss of Manuel Lanzini to injury.
A hugely talented France squad head to Russia with high expectations, but Didier Deschamps is still struggling to find a system that will enable him to unlock his team’s full potential.
Unburdened by modest expectations, England will go into the tournament riding a 10- match unbeaten run. — AFP