Australia beat Germany 2-1 in a friendly match

Posted on March 31, 2011 by SoccerPunter

Australia took revenge for last year’s heavy World Cup defeat with a shock 2-1 win over hosts Germany on Tuesday night in a friendly — their maiden victory over the Germans.

After Germany striker Mario Gomez had put the hosts ahead, two goals in two stunning second-half minutes by Blackpool midfielder David Carney and a penalty from Dynamo Moscow’s Luke Wilkshire floored the Germans.

This was Australia’s first win over Germany after three straight defeats, the last of which came in Durban last June when the Germans hammered the Socceroos 4-0 in their opening game of the South African World Cup.

Germany coach Joachim Loew was punished for naming a weakened side with the most embarassing defeat of his four-and-a-half year tenure in charge.

For Australia’s German coach Holger Osieck, this was arguably his country’s biggest win on a football pitch.

Each side began the match with just four survivors from those who started in Durban.

Galatasary’s Harry Kewell, 32, led the Australian attack with the Socceroos captained by Turkish team-mate Lucas Neill, 33, to bring experience to the Australian side with Fulham’s Mark Schwarzer, 38, in goal.

Everton midfield star Tim Cahill was ruled out with a foot injury.

Loew rested several stars with Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender making his debut alongside captain Bastian Schweinsteiger of Bayern Munich who was making his 87th appearance.

Dortmund pair Mats Hummels and Marcel Schmelzer, plus Andre Schuerrle of Mainz were included in a experimental Germany side.

After a dull start from both sides, the highlight of which was an early yellow card for Australia’s Mile Jedinak for a foul on Christian Traesch, the hosts took the lead when Bayern star Mario Gomez capitalised on a neat pass.

Having been set up by Schuerrle, Gomez slotted home on 26 minutes from the edge of the penalty area.

It was a subdued start from both sides with countless opportunities wasted and the game badly needed a spark.

It came with a hiss and a roar when Carney burst his way through the German defence and drove his shot past diving Germany goalkeeper Tim Wiese on 61 minutes to equalise.

Traesch fouled Kewell in the area and French referee Stephane Lannoy pointed straight to the penalty spot on 63 minutes to hush the home crowd.

Loew threw on veteran striker Miroslav Klose soon after to try and save his team’s blushes, but it was too little, too late as Germany lost.