FIFA WC friendlies: Germany beat co-hosts USA in tight clash; Belgium thrash Tunisia 5-0
Chicago, June 7
Germany continued their fine form heading into the FIFA World Cup, beating co-hosts 2-1 in the friendly match on Saturday, making it four wins in four pre-tournament friendly matches so far.
For Germany, Kai Havertz (2nd minute), Leroy Sane (57th minute) were on the scoresheet, while Antonee Robinson (37th minute) also scored a solitary goal for the USA, as per FIFA's official website.
Germany took an early lead courtesy a fine strike from Havertz, while US levelled things back with a thunderbolt strike from Robinson. It was a winning goal from Sane past the USA goalie Matt Freese to seal the ninth successive win for the four-time champions.
Mauricio Pochettino's men were resilient despite the loss.
In the other clash at Brussels, Belgium absolutely embarassed Tunisia 5-0 in a goalfest, staying unbeaten in their four FIFA WC preparatory friendlies so far, with three wins and a draw.
It was a 28th-minute strike from Arsenal star Leandro Trossard that started the onslaught on 10-man Tunisia, poking the ball to the net after Jeremy Doku's mazy run and pass set up the goal for him. In the second half, it was goals galore for the Dutch as Charles De Ketelaere (53rd minute) doubled the strike in the early minutes of the second half, while the skipper Kevin de Bruyne tripled the lead with his 37th international goal. Substitutes Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin (85th and 87th minute) fired late goals, guiding Belgium to a massive victory that will boost the team's morale and confidence undoubtedly.
At Asuncion, Paraguay, making their first WC appearance since 2010, secured a 4-0 win over Nicaragua, making it two wins and a loss in their pre-WC friendlies so far.
A 17th-minute penalty strike from Al Ain striker Kaku put Paraguay ahead, and Miguel Almiron (42nd minute) doubled the lead just before the second half with his left-foot. Second-half goals from Matias Galarza (62nd minute) and Alexandro Maidana (65th minute) gave Paraguay a convincing win, though Strasbourg winger Julio Encisco, who left the field on a stretcher in the first half, was a concern for Paraguay.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, these friendlies don't tell the whole story. Germany winning 2-1 against USA is decent but not dominant. And Belgium beating a 10-man Tunisia 5-0? Expected. The real test will be when the big teams face each other in the group stages. Still, nice to see football getting global attention even for friendlies! ⚽
As someone who follows both European and international football, Germany's run of 9 straight wins is impressive. Havertz scoring early shows their intent. But let's not ignore the US – they played well despite the loss. Pochettino is building something there. For India, we desperately need more friendlies against top teams to improve our game. 😔
Belgium looked ruthless! De Bruyne scoring his 37th international goal is incredible. But I feel bad for Tunisia – playing with 10 men is always tough. Meanwhile, Paraguay's 4-0 win makes me happy; glad to see a South American team back in the World Cup after so long! Hope Julio Encisco recovers quickly, injuries before a tournament are heartbreaking. 🙏
German efficiency is showing. 4 wins in 4 friendlies is no joke. But I'm more interested in how the so-called "underdogs" like Paraguay are doing – they looked solid against Nicaragua. Wish the Indian football team could get such preparatory matches. We keep playing SAFF and AFC competitions but never against top-tier nations. A bit frustrating to be honest. 🤷♂️
The standard of football across the world is rising, but these friendlies clearly show the gap
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