Germany edge Australia at Confederations Cup

World champions Germany will field an inexperienced line-up against Australia in their Confederations Cup opener today with striker Timo Werner fearing a robust challenge from the Socceroos.

The world champion has made no secret of the fact its goal is not to win the Confederations Cup, but to blood its next generation of stars.

Cahill says this is a great opportunity for Australia to beat the Germans for the first time at a major tournament. Now in its tenth year, Australia has earned a spot at the competition after winning the Asian Cup in 2015.

Antonio Rudiger hopes to see teams underestimate Germany at the Confederations Cup as they prepare for their opening match against Australia.

Australia is taking the trip to Russian Federation far more seriously, bringing a full-strength squad unlike Germany. “The fight for places does us good”.

They took the lead when Vidal rose above two defenders to power home a header in the 81st minute from a ideal assist by Alexis Sanchez, who had been ruled out of the starting line-up through injury but came on early in the second half.

Those who did turn out saw Germany waste no time in taking the lead with just five minutes gone. Certainly it is a mentality that fits perfectly with an Ange Postecoglou-coached Australia who revel in the idea of rocking the traditional order of world football.

Three Australian defenders all got sucked into the near post when Julian Brandt prepared to cross and he cut the ball back for an unmarked Stindl to slam home his first global goal.

What Postecoglou does care about is not being given credit for bringing young players into the squad.

Even three straight defeats at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil could not dampen the spirits of Australian fans, as Postecoglou’s side played with poise against highly fancied opposition. The other two players are Shkodran Mustafi and Matthias Ginter.

The Canberran – clearly Australia’s best player – kept his composure to score at the second attempt from long range, after his first was blocked – to shock the 28,605 at the Olympic Stadium.

Julian Draxler’s penalty made it 2-1 after Leon Goretzka was fouled before Goretzka got the third.

Mexico equalized less than 10 minutes later with a close-range diving header by Chicharito after Portugal defender Raphael Guerreiro failed to clear a ball crossed into the area.

While Kimmich showed much promise, Leno demonstrated that he’s far from being a contender to replace 31-year-old Manuel Neuer in the German goal when it really matters for the world champions. But the German keeper couldn’t hold onto the ball, and Juric pounced on the rebound. “Maybe that was a mistake”.