Stindl denies France, Spain held by Russia

LARS STINDL scored a lastgasp equaliser as world champions Germany played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with France in Cologne yesterday, while Spain were held by Russia in a 3-3 friendly thriller.

Didier Deschamps’ men scored a brilliantlyworked opening goal in the 33rd minute, as Anthony Martial danced between two defenders and squared for Alexandre Lacazette to tap into an empty net. Joachim Low’s hosts equalised before the hour mark, though, as Mesut Ozil led a rapid counter-attack and played in RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner to slide a finish through the legs of the onrushing Steve Mandanda. But the visitors retook the lead with 19 minutes to play. This time it was teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe who was the creator, playing a pinpoint through ball that Arsenal striker Lacazette latched onto before confidently finishing past Paris Saint- Germain second-choice goalkeeper Kevin Trapp for his first international brace.

But Germany kept probing and snatched a draw as substitutes Stindl and Mario Goetze combined for the former’s fourth international goal.

Spain were denied a seventh consecutive victory as Fedor Smolov grabbed World Cup hosts Russia a thrilling 3-3 draw in Saint Petersburg, despite a rare international brace for Sergio Ramos (caricature).

Julen Lopetegui’s visitors took control through a Jordi Alba header and Ramos’ first spotkick, but Smolov and Alexei Miranchuk brought Russia level with goals either side of halftime.

Ramos completed his double after the break but Smolov grabbed Russia a draw after an encouraging performance. – AFP