Germany keeps marching on
100 VICTORIES IN 150TH GAME
Timo Werner netted twice as Germany set up a Confederations Cup semifinal against Mexico with a 3-1 win yesterday against 10-man Cameroon. Germany midfielder Kerem Demirbay opened the scoring just after the break before Werner struck either side of Vincent Aboubakar’s consolation effort for Cameroon on 78 minutes.
The video assistant referee system was again thrust into the spotlight when Cameroon defender Ernest Mabouka was sent off just past the hour for a dangerous tackle on Liverpool’s Emre Can.
Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan initially sent off Sebastien Siani by mistake, before the decision was rectified and Mabouka was dismissed instead.
“I didn’t understand it and I still don’t understand it now,” fumed Cameroon’s Belgian coach Hugo Broos. “I think this is something for the referee, he and he alone can explain what happened.”
The victory in Sochi meant Germany finished top of Group B ahead of Chile, who drew 1-1 with Australia in Moscow.
The Germans face Group A runners-up Mexico in Sochi on Thursday in their semi-final, while Chile will face Portugal on Wednesday in Kazan.
Joachim Loew reached the milestone of 100 wins in his 150th international as Germany’s head coach. He maintained his impressive record of steering the national team to the semifinals of every tournament over the last decade.
“I have to say I am very proud and full of praise for the team for reaching the semi-finals,” said Loew. “We didn’t necessarily expect this in the build-up from such a young team. The lads have done a good job.”
In Moscow, Martin Rodriguez rescued a 1-1 draw for Chile against Australia yesterday to send the South American champions through to a semi-final against Portugal.
James Troisi steered Australia ahead on 42 minutes in Moscow, but Chile replied through halftime substitute Rodriguez on 67 minutes to advance as Group B runners-up behind Germany.
Veteran forward Tim Cahill collected his 100th international cap at Spartak Stadium, joining Mark Schwarzer (109) as the only other Australia player to reach the landmark. – AFP