JOIN USStindl does the rescue act
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez became Chile’s all-time top-scorer with his 38th international goal in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Germany at the Confederations Cup.
The Gunners’ star wrote himself into the record books by capitalising on an early mistake in the German defence.
However, Lars Stindl netted his second goal of the tournament to equalise for the world champions just before the break to eventually share the points.
The result leaves Chile top of Group ‘B’ on goal difference from Germany.
With both teams on four points, three ahead of Australia and Cameroon who drew 1-1 earlier, they are in pole position to reach next week’s semifinals.
Germany play Cameroon on Sunday in Sochi while Chile face the Socceroos in Moscow.
Despite leaving all his World Cup-winning stars at home, Germany's head coach Joachim Loew still managed to name four of his first-choice team.
He started with wing-backs Jonas Hector and Joshua Kimmich with Liverpool’s Emre Can and PSG’s Julian Draxler, who all impressed in 3-2 win over Australia.
There was nothing on when goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen harmlessly rolled the ball out towards Joshua Kimmich. However, Kimmich’s Bayern Munich team-mate Arturo Vidal reacted fastest, deflected the ball into Sanchez’s path and the striker fired home off the inside of the post.
It could have been 2-0 when Eduardo Vargas rattled the crossbar on 20 minutes with Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen beaten.
Despite the early scare, Germany regained their composure and pushed forward.
It was Stindl’s second goal in Russia, after he opened the scoring against Australia, to make it 1-1 at the break. The midfield battle intensified in the second half.
Both sides had no more than half-chances to break the deadlock with the group winners to be decided by the weekend's final round.
Portugal eye top spot
Portugal are set to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for Saturday’s clash against New Zealand as the Euro 2016 winners look to confirm their passage into the semifinals.
Ronaldo brushed off allegations of tax evasion in Spain with man-of-the-match performances in the 2-2 draw with Mexico and 1-0 win over Russia, when he scored the winner.
Fernando Santos is expected to rest some stars, including Ronaldo, against the Kiwis.
Mexico, top of Group ‘A’ equal with Portugal on four points by virtue of having scored one more goal, face Russia, who are just a point behind in third.
Only fourth-placed NZ have no chance after losing their two games so far.