Mario Goetze scored on his international comeback to help Germany beat Italy for the first time in more than 20 years, a 4-1 drubbing in their friendly match on Tuesday.
Goetze, who had only played 53 minutes for Bayern Munich since a groin injury sustained against Ireland on Oct. 8 last year, headed Germany’s second goal before the break after Toni Kroos opened the scoring.
Goetze was also involved in the third goal before the hour-mark, setting Julian Draxler free to cross for Jonas Hector’s first international goal.
Photo: EPA
“I am so happy. For me it was simply important to be able to play again after such a long injury, simply to be able to do what is fun for me. Then to score as well,” Goetze said.
Mesut Ozil made it 4-0 in the 75th minute with a penalty conceded by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Substitute Stephan El Shaarawy scored Italy’s consolation goal in the 83rd minute with a strike from distance.
It was Germany’s first win over Italy at the eighth attempt since a 2-0 victory on June 21, 1995.
Germany oach Joachim Loew opted for a back-three of Mats Hummels, Antonio Ruediger and Shkodran Mustafi, with Hector and Sebastian Rudy supporting on either flank.
Thomas Mueller captained the side for the first time on his 70th appearance.
Italy rarely threatened reserve goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, although he looked jittery on the rare occasions he was called into action.
Kroos broke the deadlock by slotting a precise effort inside the post, his 24th-minute strike giving Buffon little chance.
With the fans sending a Mexican wave around the stadium, Mueller crossed for Goetze to direct the ball inside the right post, leaving Buffon rooted to the spot.
Riccardo Montolivo went close after the break as Italy emerged with new intent, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed in the 59th minute, when Goetze set Draxler free and the playmaker pulled the ball back for Hector to score on his 12th appearance.
Simone Zaza shot over in response, but then Buffon brought down Rudy and Ozil ended the contest.
“It is no fun to lose this way. Germany are world champions. I think they deserved it today, without a doubt,” Italy coach Antonio Conte said.
Conte said there was no need for panic or for wholesale changes ahead of Euro 2016.
Loew names his initial squad for Euro 2016 on May 17.
In other friendly matches on Tuesday, Estonia lost 1-0 at home to Serbia, Montenegro drew 0-0 with visitors Belarus, Bulgaria defeated hosts Macedonia 2-0, Georgia were held 1-1 at home by Kazakhstan, Iceland won 3-2 away to Greece, Latvia thrashed hosts Gibraltar 5-0, Finland were beaten 2-0 away at Norway and Switzerland lost 2-0 at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Additional reporting by staff writer
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely