SOCHI, Russia: Germany’s Joachim Loew said he is looking forward to facing Mexico on Thursday in the Confederations Cup semifinals after the world champions pipped Chile to top spot in Group B.
The Germans play Mexico in Sochi for a place in next Sunday’s final in Saint Petersburg while Chile meet Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the other last-four clash on Wednesday in Kazan.
“Mexico is going to be a tough game, they are a very flexible team with very good players,” said Loew, who became the first head coach to achieve 100 international wins.
“We don’t often play central American sides, so that will be interesting for us, but we need to be on our guard.”
Germany’s Timo Werner, 21, netted twice in Sunday’s win over 10-man Cameroon which saw them finish two points clear of Chile, who rallied for a 1-1 draw with Australia in Moscow.
After Kerem Demirbay opened the scoring in Sochi, Werner struck either side of Vincent Aboubakar’s consolation effort on 78 minutes.
Cameroon had Ernest Mabouka sent off in controversial fashion in the 64th minute for a dangerous tackle on Liverpool’s Emre Can.
Referee Wilmar Roldan initially dismissed Sebastien Siani before the video assistant referee rectified his error.
Loew, in his 150th match in charge of Germany, maintained his impressive record of reaching the semifinals of every tournament over the last decade.
Loew praised his inexperienced side for overcoming Cameroon, but the Africans’ coach Hugo Broos lashed out at tournament organisers in Russia with just a year to go before they stage the World Cup.
The Belgian praised the “excellent” standard of the stadiums, but said heavy traffic hampered training sessions when they played in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
“On three different occasions we had to start our session an hour late, because we were stuck in traffic, even though we had a police escort from the hotel,” said Broos.
Meanwhile, Chile had to come from behind to salvage a point against Australia in Moscow.
After James Troisi put the Asian champions ahead on 42 minutes at Spartak Stadium, Chile replied through half-time substitute Martin Rodriguez on 67 minutes to advance as Group B runners-up.
Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi insisted they hadn’t underestimated Australia, who are heading home after their bid to edge the Copa America holders to second place fizzled out. “That could have been a quarterfinal in the World Cup, such was the level of this game,” said Pizzi.
“We are happy to reach the semifinals and reach that aim. Now we must refocus on our next ambition.”
Australia boss Ange Postecoglou regretted his side’s missed opportunities. “We wanted to get out of the group and we haven’t, so we are disappointed,” said Postecoglou.
“They (Chile) are a world-class team, a fantastic team, and have played some of the best teams in the world off the park.”
Postecoglou praised veteran forward Tim Cahill as Australia’s captain made his 100th international appearance. He joined long-serving former goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (109) as the only other Australia player to reach the landmark. — AFP
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