Germany avoids blushes in 3-2 victory over Australia
SOCHI, Russia: Germany’s inexperienced side was given a fright by Australia at the Confederations Cup on Monday, holding on to win its Group B opener 3-2 after goalkeeper Bernd Leno gifted the Asian champions both goals.
Only two members of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad started the game in Sochi and, while the team was dynamic going forward, it was vulnerable at the back.
Lars Stindl marked his tournament debut with a goal after five minutes that was canceled out by Tommy Rogic when the Australia forward put the ball under Leno.
Julian Draxler, an unused substitute in the 2014 World Cup final win over Argentina, restored Germany’s lead from the penalty spot before halftime.
Although Leon Goretzka extended the German lead three minutes into the second half, another blunder by Leno ensured it was a nervy conclusion to the game in the Black Sea resort. A shot from Rogic through a crowded penalty area was spilled by the Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper and Tomi Juric stabbed the rebound into the net.
The Australian threat persisted but Germany clung on to collect three points in the Fisht Stadium, where around 20,000 seats were empty.
Video review causing confusion for FIFA in World Cup trials Video reviews are not giving FIFA a quick solution at the tournament it is using to fast-track the system for the 2018 World Cup.
Both Confederation Cup games played on Sunday in Russia left teams confused by decisions — reached more slowly than expected — by referees taking advice from assistants watching multiple replays.
Portugal and Chile both had goals disallowed for offside. Portugal had to wait for what seemed an unnecessary review of a good goal scored.
FIFA has told referees they must use reviews to overturn only “clear errors” in game-changing situations such as penalty kicks awarded and offside rulings affecting goals.
In trying to define a clear error, FIFA has suggested when “almost everyone who is neutral agrees the decision is incorrect.”
Portugal ended 2-2 with Mexico and, perhaps fortunately for FIFA, Chile beat Cameroon 2-0.
“It is a little difficult for the players,” Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said. “Even if it is the right decision, this has an impact on players’ emotions and feelings.”
Chile’s star player Arturo Vidal fiercely argued with referee Damir Skomina when a goal scored in first-half stoppage time by Eduardo Vargas was overruled almost one minute later. FIFA later released still images of a razor-thin margin of the offside ruling.
Video review seems to have plenty to prove to football’s rule-making panel, known as IFAB. Its decision is due in March whether to approve it for use at the World Cup, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants.
Four incidents on just the second day of the biggest tournament so far to conduct live trials has created more controversy than FIFA expected.
One “clear error” might be overturned every four or five games, FIFA head of refereeing Massimo Busacca suggested last year.