Kimmich rescues Germany with late goal in Denmark
Published : Jun 07, 2017 02:55 IST
Joshua Kimmich's late bicycle kick earned a second-string Germany team a 1-1 draw against host Denmark in a friendly on Tuesday as the world champion prepares for the Confederations Cup in Russia later this month.
Missing half a dozen stalwarts, with six players making their debuts and only one joint training session prior to the game, Germany was never going to light any fireworks.
The game, commemorating 25 years since Denmark's 2-0 victory over Germany in the Euro 92 final, saw Germany coach Joachim Loew test several players with an eye on its World Cup defence next year in Russia, but the visiting team was lacking its usual high tempo.
Antonio Ruediger's 18th-minute mistake led to the opening goal as he headed the ball into the path of Christian Eriksen who beat Kevin Trapp, making his debut in the German goal, from a tight angle.
Germany gradually worked its way into the game, however, with 29-year-old Sandro Wagner, who netted 11 times in the league for Hoffenheim and who was making his first start, going close on a few occasions as did Leon Goretzka.
Denmark keeper Frederik Ronnow twice came to its rescue early in the second half but was well beaten when Kimmich turned in the box and scored with a spectacular bicycle kick to rescue a draw.
Germany, which takes on San Marino in its World Cup qualifier on Saturday, is top of Group C, five points clear of second placed Northern Ireland.
Denmark, third in Group E and six points off leader Poland, travels to play Kazakhstan also on Saturday.