News Focus
- Kai Havertz heads Germany into an early lead inside two minutes in Chicago
- Leroy Sané ends five-year wait for an away international goal with the winner
- Antonee Robinson scores a brilliant volley to level for the United States
- Mass confrontation in stoppage time results in bookings for two German players
- Victory extends Germany’s winning run to nine games before the World Cup
Germany stretched their winning run to nine matches after beating the United States 2-1 in their final warm-up fixture before the World Cup. Kai Havertz and Leroy Sané grabbed the goals for the visitors at Soldier Field.
The match began perfectly for the Germans. Tyler Adams gave away a free-kick in a dangerous area, and Joshua Kimmich delivered the ball into the box. Havertz rose to head home the opener after just two minutes. The Arsenal forward had joined the squad late following his appearance in the Champions League final.
The hosts fought back strongly. Left-back Antonee Robinson stunned the European side with a superb volley from outside the penalty area ten minutes before half-time. Christian Pulisic led several dangerous attacks for the Americans, but Jonathan Tah produced excellent defending to keep the scores level.
Both keepers made key saves early in the second period. However, Germany regained the lead in the 57th minute when Sané finished smartly from Havertz’s assist. This marked the winger’s first goal on the road for his country since September 2021.
Substitute Nadiem Amiri nearly added a third for the Germans, while Oliver Baumann denied efforts from Joe Scally and Brenden Aaronson at the other end. Despite the result, Julian Nagelsmann’s side found it difficult to create clear chances in an open contest.
Tensions boiled over during injury time after a series of heavy challenges from both teams. Referee Piero Maza showed yellow cards to Borussia Dortmund pair Maximilian Beier and Nico Schlotterbeck following a mass confrontation between the players.
The United States will now face Paraguay in another friendly. Germany open their World Cup campaign against debutants Curaçao on June 14th. Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire complete their group.