The hosts were 81-3 at stumps in their second innings on day two in Chennai, as they extended their lead to 308
cricket5 hours ago
Forwards Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose gave their side a 2-0 halftime lead to vindicate coach Joachim Loew’s faith in them despite a recent lack of goals, with winger Thomas Mueller and substitute Cacau finding the net after the break.
Australia, who started both halves brightly and battled gamely throughout, played the last 34 minutes with 10 men after Tim Cahill was dismissed for a foul on Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Germany lead Group D from Ghana, who beat Serbia 1-0 in Sunday’s earlier match in Pretoria.
It was the triumvirate of captain Philipp Lahm, Mesut Ozil and Mueller who laid the foundation for victory as the young German team took to the wings to outflank the much-vaunted Socceroo defence.
In the eighth minute, Ozil found Mueller in what looked to be an offside position and his cutback allowed Podolski to sweep the ball into the net via Mark Schwarzer’s flailing arm.
Klose should have doubled the lead in the 24th minute when he blasted wide when Podolski’s cross left him free in front of goal but he made amends just two minutes later.
Lahm lofted a high cross in from the right, Schwarzer came charging out to claim the ball but Klose beat him to it and headed into an empty net for his 33rd international goal.
With the Australian spirit sapped by Cahill’s sending off, Mueller got his reward for a fine performance on the right flank when he found space in the box and screwed the ball into the net off the post in the 68th minute.
Cacau, who had just replaced Klose, completed the scoring two minutes later after Ozil had beaten the offside trap to play in the Stuttgart striker.
The hosts were 81-3 at stumps in their second innings on day two in Chennai, as they extended their lead to 308
cricket5 hours ago
The competition will be a key highlight of the third edition of the 1 Billion Followers Summit, taking place from January 11 to 13, 2025
uae6 hours ago
The event featured insights from key speakers, including Yogacharya Dhakaram, Nilesh Ashar, and Ekansh Agrawal.
kt network6 hours ago
The first two Tests will be held back-to-back in Multan and the last in Rawalpindi
sports6 hours ago
They will remain on display at the museum until at least April 2025
arts6 hours ago
Unveil four prestigious 'Majors' in Men’s and Ladies’ Divisions to secure premier invitations for the elite tournaments
sports7 hours ago
The organisation was honoured during a glittering award ceremony at ASCM Connect 2024: North America in Austin, Texas
kt network7 hours ago