Germany struck twice in a strong first-half performance to beat Uruguay 2-1 in a friendly international on Sunday as the sides prepared for Euro 2012 qualifiers and the Copa America.
Germany striker Mario Gomez, making a rare start instead of Miroslav Klose, scored a fine solo effort and Andre Schuerrle doubled the lead as the hosts enjoyed long spells of attacking play in the first half.
Walter Gargano pulled one back minutes after the restart with a close-range effort after Germany’s defense failed to clear as both coaches made several substitutions.
“There were many things I liked in our game today, especially in the first half,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said.
The match, less than a year after their World Cup third-place playoff which Germany won 3-2, was a warm-up for Germany’s Euro 2012 qualifiers in Austria and Azerbaijan and for Uruguay ahead of the Copa America in July.
Uruguay twice threatened early on through Maxi Pereira and Luis Suarez, but Germany struck against the run of play when Uruguay captain Diego Lugano lost possession to Gomez outside the box. The Bundesliga top scorer then beat two defenders, before wrong-footing goalkeeper Fernando Muslera after 20 minutes.
Muslera spectacularly palmed a 30m dipping shot from Toni Kroos over the bar, but could do nothing to stop Schuerrle’s curled shot providing the 20-year-old with his first international goal on his third appearance.
Uruguay pulled one back three minutes after the restart when Germany failed to clear three times and Gargano beat goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with a low drive from 10m.
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