Lars Stindl’s first-half strike saw Germany beat Chile 1-0 in Sunday night’s Confederations Cup final in St Petersburg.

Germany

World champions Germany secured a first Confederations Cup title after victory against Copa America winners Chile.

Chile, playing with their trademark high octane style and driven forward by another relentless display by Arturo Vidal, dominated the match but were let down by poor finishing. A dramatic game featured missed chances, defensive howlers, scuffles and two video reviews; one producing a highly controversial outcome in the second half.

Chile defender Gonzalo Jara elbowed Timo Werner by the touchline and Serbian referee Milorad Mazic; alerted by the video assistants, let Jara off with a yellow card instead of a red.

It was a remarkable achievement for Germany to lift the trophy with a young, experimental squad, although it could also be a bad omen; as no team has ever won the World Cup after winning the Confederations Cup the year before.

Chile flew into the game in their inimitable style and Alexis Sanchez should have put them in front; but shot wide from close range after keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen parried Vidal’s shot.

Germany struck almost immediately as Diaz lost the ball on the edge of his penalty area to Timo Werner; who slipped it through for Lars Stindl to score into an open goal.

The Germans then held on against the Chilean attacking onslaught for the entire game to win the title.

Arturo Vidal and co were left ruing their chances that should have been taken. Vidal himself came close to scoring but his effort soared over Ter Stegen’s goal.

Germany : A Bright Future Ahead

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Having seen their team win the European Under-21 Championship in Poland on Friday, Germany’s fans can celebrate another impressive tournament victory 12 months before they launch the defence of their world title. Their success in Russia has been achieved without a number of players who helped beat Argentina in Rio three years ago to be crowned world champions.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, midfielders Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos, and forward Thomas Muller were rested before next summer’s World Cup. That has allowed a new generation to come to the fore.

Midfielder Leon Goretzka, 22, has excelled while 21-year-old forward Werner has also shown he has a bright international future ahead of him.

 

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