In a repeat of the 1-1 draw in the group match, Chile applied pressure in the opening stages in the final in Saint Petersburg and succeeded in putting the Germany defence on the spot time after time. One of the most impressive players for La Roja during this stage of the game was Charles Aránguiz. The Werkself pro twice got himself in a good position up front but he was unable to take his chances.
The team coached by Joachim Löw then took the lead out of the blue. Timo Werner exploited a big mistake by Marcelo Diaz, squared the ball to Lars Stindl who had a simple tap in on 20 minutes. Germany were now in the game and they had three good chances to extend the lead in the last ten minutes of the first half through Leon Goretzka (36'/44') and Julian Draxler (40').
The match heated up in the second half. The game was interspersed with numerous niggles. Draxler had the first clear chance after a great solo run. Chile were failing to impress at this point. It was only in the closing stages that La Roja increased the pressure on the German goal. Vargas, Aránguiz and substitute Sagal all had decent chances. However, Germany were able to maintain their narrow lead with a mixture of determination and fortune. "I'm mega proud of this young group," said Löw after winning the title.
The Leipzig player Werner won the tournament golden boots with three goals and two assists. Draxler was named the best player In the Confed Cup 2017.
Following the U21s winning the European Championships, Germany lifting the Confed Cup as the second big success for the DFB within three days.
Chicha fourth with Mexico
Chicharito was in the starting line-up for his 96th international appearance for Mexico in the match for third place at the Confederations Cup. The match against the reigning European Champions Portugal quickly developed into an interesting clash with lots of chances on both sides. Chicharito was often sort out by his team-mates and also found.
The Werkself striker had an impressive game, covering a lot of ground, getting stuck into challenges and forcing Portugal's keeper Patricio to make a brilliant save on the half-hour mark with a shot on the turn. Before that, Portugal's André Silva had a better chance to score when he missed a penalty. After a goalless first half it was Chicha who brought about the lead for Mexico on 54 minutes. His sharp cross was turned into his own net by Portugal's Neto. Chicharito was substituted on 85 minutes Andy had to look on from the bench when Pepe equalised for Portugal in added time.
The match went into extra time and the decider came from the penalty spot just before the change of ends. Adrien Silva kept his cool on 104 minutes as he scored the winning goal to make it 2-1 for the European Champions.
Bayer 04 will have to manage without Florian Wirtz. The Germany international suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle in the home game against Werder Bremen (0-2) on Saturday. That was the diagnosis from an MRI scan following the game. The 21-year-old midfielder will be out of action for several weeks.
Show moreIt was a day to forget for the Werkself. Bayer 04 suffered a second defeat in the Bundesliga this term with a 2-0 loss to Werder Bremen on Matchday 25. Head coach Xabi Alonso talked after the game about a match, "we want to forget as soon as possible" and he demanded: "We have to believe in ourselves again." Reaction plus stats and facts on #B04SVW are here in the Werkself review.
Show moreBayer 04 lost 2-0 against Werder Bremen on Bundesliga Matchday 25. After going behind early to a goal scored by Romano Schmid (7') the Werkself endeavoured to level with Aleix Garcia going closest when he hit a free kick against the bar just before half-time. Other promising chances in the second half failed to find the back of the Bremen net. The visitors doubled their lead in added time with Justin Njinmah scoring for the final score of 2-0.
Show moreThe Werkself entertain Werder Bremen at the BayArena on Bundesliga Matchday 25. The game kicks off at 15:30 CET today Saturday, 8 March, alongside a number of events. Matchday news brings you the latest information on the clash with the team lying twelfth in the Bundesliga.
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