Germany snatch draw with Mexico in Philadelphia friendly

Second-half substitute Niclas Fullkrug saved Germany's blushes, ramming home a low finish from close range on 51 minutes to preserve new coach Julian Nagelsmann's unbeaten record. Germany had arrived in Philadelphia in confident mood after a 3-1 defeat of the United States on Saturday.

That victory was the first of Nagelsmann's reign since being appointed in the aftermath of Hansi Flick's sacking last month following a 4-1 drubbing by Japan. The four-time world champions looked ready to build on that confident performance at a packed Lincoln Financial Field, and took the lead inside the opening half hour.

Union Berlin defender Robin Gosens flicked on cleverly from a corner and Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger was waiting at the far post to head in an emphatic finish after 25 minutes. Mexico responded well to that early setback, and Santiago Gimenez had a strong penalty appeal waved away on 27 minutes after being bundled over the box.

Gimenez should have equalised in the 33rd minute, but somehow scooped a close-range shot over the bar with only Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to beat. Germany thought they had made it 2-0 on 37 minutes when Bayern Munich's Thomas Muller got the ball in the net only to be judged offside.

Instead, however, Mexico swept forward immediately with a lightning fast counter-attack and drew level when Uriel Antuna tucked away a low shot at the near post after Hirving Lozano's low cross. Erick Sanchez headed Mexico into the lead two minutes after half-time to make it 2-1 but Fullkrug's 51st-minute equaliser ensured Germany escaped with a draw.

 

October 18, 2023