World champions beaten by Austria on Manuel Neuer’s return

Manuel Neuer played his first match since September as Germany was beaten 2-1 by Austria in its penultimate warmup game for the World Cup yesterday.

The goalkeeper, who has recovered from a hairline fracture in his left foot, played the entire match but couldn't prevent the world champions from losing for the second straight game after a 1-0 defeat to Brazil in March.

The match played at Klagenfurt's Worthersee Stadion was delayed for more than 100 minutes following torrential rain and hail.

Missing several regulars, Germany took the lead after 11 minutes when Mesul Ozil pounced on a poor kick from goalkeeper Jorg Siebenhandl before curling the ball into the top corner of the net.

Siebenhandl made amends by keeping out Ozil's tamer 16thminute effort before getting his fingertips to Julian Brandt's dangerous effort four minutes later.

Austria grew into the game, while Germany became more sloppy as the action went on, and although Joachim Low's charges went ahead at the break, they were pegged back on 53 minutes.

Martin Hinteregger, unmarked at the back post, was on hand to connect with David Alaba's cross and ferociously volley the ball first-time from an incredibly narrow angle into the corner of Manuel Neuer's net.

With momentum going Austria's way, the hosts continued to press their opponents, who began making sloppy, panicky mistakes at the back.

Indeed, Franco Foda's charges were able to build on their equaliser to take the lead in the 70th minute, Stefan Lainer cutting the ball back to Alessandro Schopf, who duly drilled into the bottom corner.

Austria held firm at the back as Germany, devoid of ideas, failed to muster an equaliser, giving the hosts their fifth consecutive victory.

In another friendly Belgium and Portugal figured in a scoreless draw.