Germany kicked off their Confederations Cup campaign with a 3-2 win over Australia on Monday afternoon.
Lars Stindl opened the scoring for Germany in the fourth minute. The midfielder timed his run into the box well and swiped the ball into the back of the net from 12-yards out.
Sandro Wagner came close to a second after Leon Goretzka lifted a sublime ball over the top but the number nine dragged his shot just wide of the right post.
Australia did find an equaliser in the 40th minute. Thomas Rogic saw his initial effort blocked but followed up to smash the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box with his left foot.
However, Germany were awarded a penalty just three minutes later. Massimo Luongo went through the back of Goretzka and was penalised.
Julian Draxler stepped up and converted coolly from the spot to regain the lead for Germany.
Goretzka then added a third just minutes into the second half as he fired the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Bernd Leno then gifted a goal to Australia. The Barcelona man spilt a simple shot, with the rebound being poked in from close range.
Here is how we rated the Germans…
Bernd Leno: 4
Gifted both goals to Australia and didn’t do much else…
Joshua Kimmich: 7
Had a solid game at right-back but was found wanting going forward at times. Needs to work on his final ball.
Antonio Rudiger: 7
Confident display from the Roma man. Rudiger was strong and comfortable on the ball, drove out of defence well.
Shkodran Mustafi: 7
Although he may be annoyed with himself at not stopped Rogic’s shot that led to Australia’s first goal, Mustafi had a good game on the whole.
He made some good interceptions and blocks and was calm and composed when playing out from the back.
Jonas Hector: 7
Same as Kimmich. Was solid at the back but not always the best when in the final third of the pitch.
Sebastian Rudy: 8
Composed and confident display in the middle of the park from Rudy. Played simple passes and allowed the attacking players to make their mark.
Leon Goretzka: 9
Best player on the pitch for me. Goretzka ran the show for Germany, winning a penalty and scoring the third.
His passing was exceptional all afternoon and he tore apart the Australia defence on multiple occasions.
Julian Draxler: 8
Scored from the spot, bossed the left side, Draxler was superb. He was sprinting past players in the 90th minute. Draxler was giving Australia’s problems all afternoon.
Lars Stindl: 8
Stindl opened the scoring with an excellent finish and held the ball up well at times.
He wasn’t involved in the play as much as he could have been, but when he was he was class.
Julian Brandt: 7
Brandt was sublime in the first-half and set up Stindl for the opening goal but tired as the second half wore on.
Looked lively.
Sandro Wagner: 6
I wasn’t impressed by Wagner. He’s a tall player but failed to hold the ball up well enough. He also fluffed two big chances in front of goal.