Goretzka double sets Germany on way to Confederations Cup final

Germany claimed a comfortable 4-1 win over Mexico, Leon Goretzka’s early brace and second-half strikes by Timo Werner and Amin Younes booking a place in Sunday’s Confederations Cup final with Chile in St Petersburg.

Germany needed only six minutes to take the lead when a loose header by Hector Moreno was picked up by Goretzka, who instantly found the over-lapping fullback Benjamin Henrichs on the right wing. He returned the ball to the on-rushing Schalke midfielder to sweep into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Germany doubled their advantage two minutes later, the 22-year-old striking again when he latched on to a Werner through ball before sliding a composed finish past Guillermo Ochoa and into the far corner.

Former Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos went close on two occasions at the other end as Mexico eventually threatened, but Javier Hernandez somehow scooped the ball over from six yards, then goalkeeper Marc-andre ter Stegen had to tip Hector Herrera’s free-kick over the bar to keep Mexico at bay.

In the 59th minute, Julian Draxler threaded a pass to Jonas Hector and his cutback to Werner left the Leipzig man with a tap-in for his third goal of the tournament.

Ter Stegen was finally beaten with one minute remaining when Fabian fired in a wonder strike from 30 yards, but Younes scoredgermany’s fourth goal with a neat finish in added time.