FLICK HICCUP AS GERMANS NIC WARM-UP WIN

BY THOMAS BRISTOW GERMANY laboured to a 1-0 warm-up win over OMAN and failed to send a menacing message to their rivals.

Hansi Flick’s side had a true Middle Eastern test ahead of their Group E opener against Japan next Wednesday.

Oman nearly took a shock lead in the second-half when Mohsin Al Ghassani somehow missed from five yards out.

The hosts were made to pay as Niclas Fullkrug, who replaced wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko at half-time, slotted home an 80th-minute winner but the Germans failed to impress.

Lionel Messi (left) was on target as ARGENTINA thrashed UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 5-0.

The seven-time Ballon d’or winner created the opener for Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez before Angel Di Maria bagged a double.

Messi, 35, netted the fourth before half-time. Joaquin

Correa completed the Abu Dhabi rout. Argentina begin their campaign on Tuesday against SAUDI ARABIA, who lost 1-0 to CROATIA.

Group C rivals POLAND beat CHILE 1-0 thanks to a strike from Krzysztof Piatek. Star man Robert Lewandowski was left on the bench.