SM
Real Madrid vs AC Milan: 10 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
GN
International Friendlies
Aug 31, 2016 at 7.45pm UK
 
FN

2-0

Meyer (55'), Ozil (77')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Bastian Schweinsteiger bows out in winning style as Germany see off Finland

:Headline: Result: Bastian Schweinsteiger bows out in winning style as Germany see off Finland: ID:280374: from db_amp
An underwhelming Germany side beat Finland 2-0 at Borussia-Park in what was Bastian Schweinsteiger's final game at international level.

Germany have defeated Finland 2-0 at Borussia-Park to mark Bastian Schweinsteiger's international farewell in a winning manner.

An underwhelming display from the hosts was rescued by strikes from Max Meyer and substitute Mesut Ozil, ensuring that Die Mannschaft are back to winning ways following their disappointing Euro 2016 exit earlier this summer.

Schweinsteiger found his range early on when picking out Meyer, who could only send a tame shot down the middle for Lukas Hradecky to collect with relative ease.

There was a big chance for new Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi to make the difference soon after, but he could only send his header over the bar when left completely unmarked inside the box.

It was far from a vintage first-half showing from the world champions, as they created just one real clear-cut opening which Mario Gotze failed to make the most of when rounding Hradecky and saw his shot blocked by Jukka Raitala in front of goal.

Germany did dominate things in terms of possession, though, and were unlucky not to edge ahead after Meyer slid the ball through for Kevin Volland, who was only denied an opener by Thomas Lam on the line.

Finland, still without a win since Hans Backe took charge seven games ago, were doing just about enough to keep their opponents out but did get another slice of fortune when Paulus Arajuuri's miscue came back off his own post.

Highly-rated centre-back Niklas Sule, fresh from competing at the Olympic Games in Brazil, did manage to get away another shot late in the half which was again dealt with comfortably enough by Hradecky.

There was a little worry early in the second half when Mustafi appeared to roll his ankle, forcing him to limp around the field, but boss Joachim Low decided against taking him off.

Finland were showing more attacking intent in the immediate stages after the restart, looking to get the ball into the box a little more, but they finally came unstuck 55 minutes in when Germany opted to take a more direct route to goal.

Gotze collected a ball over the top down the right and sent in a dangerous cross, which Volland stepped over to allow Meyer to sweep in 10 yards out for his first international goal.

Another big chance went begging for Gotze 70 minutes in when he saw a second shot blocked from close range, yet he soon recovered from that miss and slid in Ozil who soon helped seal the win for the hosts.

Ozil, who had only been on the pitch for 15 minutes or so, saw his shot-cross come back off the underside of Arajuuri's leg and into the far corner to put the icing on the cake - a goal that he will be sure to claim.

The night very much belonged to Schweinsteiger, though, who bowed out prior to that second goal when making way for Julian Weigl - ending an international career that has spanned 14 years and seen him pick up a total of 121 caps.

amp_article__280374 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2016-09-07 09:28:21:
html db last update - 2016-09-07 09:28:21 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .