The Socceroos recovered from a slow start but fell short of claiming a point against Germany in their opening Group B match at the Confederations Cup. Germany notching a 3-2 win.
The more fancied European side scored in the opening five minutes.
Tom Rogic levelled the scores but in what turned out to be a crucial moment, Massimo Luongo gave away a penalty and the Germans took a 2-1 lead into the break.
Germany opened up Australia’s defence again early in the second half and Leon Goretzka made it 3-1.
The Socceroos hit back when Rogic was brought down outside the box. Tomi Juric scored from the resulting free kick.
The Aussies made the most of their 41% of possession but couldn’t find an equaliser.
Final score
Germany 3
Socceroos 2
The Socceroos will be looking to start their Confederations Cup campaign on a high when they face a younger Germany side. Join The Roar from 1am (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
After a disappointing 4-nil loss to Brazil which saw them concede the first goal in just 12 seconds, the Socceroos will be eager to prove that they belong on the big stage when they take on the world champions.
The changes made from the squad that defeated Saudi Arabia 3 – 2 did not pay dividends for coach Ange Postecoglou on that occasion.
The Socceroos have the experience to produce an upset against the Germans in Sochi, but everything will need to go right.
However, they will be without the defender Brad Smith and potentially captain Mile Jedinak, who will both miss the out due to injuries.
Alex Gersbach and James Jeggo will replace the two in Russia, with Aaron Mooy also set to make an appearance at some point throughout the competition.
The Socceroos have been unable to defeat Germany in all three of their competitive fixtures against them and have been struggling in their pursuit of a spot in the 2018 World Cup.
Ange Postecoglou and his men will be eager to get some momentum and confidence back in the Socceroos side at the Confederations Cup ahead of their crucial remaining qualifiers.
For Germany, manager Joachim Low has opted to select a younger squad to partake in the Confederations Cup.
Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels have all been left out of the squad, leaving Germany with less experience across the park.
However, the likes of Julian Draxler, Shkodran Mustafi amd Emre Can could all make an appearance against the Socceroos.
Prediction
Despite Germany being the heavy favourites, the Socceroos have a more experienced side. Expect an end-to-end affair that will be much closer than anyone expects.
Australia 1 – 2 Germany.
Join The Roar for live coverage of the Socceroos opening Confederations Cup match from 1am (AEST)
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Guest
I wanna see Chile smash the Germans.
SM
Guest
I like how we didn't even feel the need to properly attack in injury time.
Lionheart
Guest
Overall a disappointing effort by Australia I thought. We had some good moments in the second half, even dominated at times but we were pretty awful in the first half with massive gaps in our defence. The UK commentators feel that we can get a win in this tournament, maybe advance, but they thought Germany was a bit disappointing at times. I think we've got some good core players, but our defence, waaahhh!!!
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Agree, thanks Isaac.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Thanks for the call, Isaac.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Much better second half, though a couple of our CB's were almost stationary in the last 10 minutes.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Thank you to everyone who joined The Roar for this live blog, we look forward to seeing you all again very soon
anon
Roar Pro
Always good to see Ange get a reality check.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: Socceroos 2 - 3 Germany
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90+5' - The referee blows his whistle for full time SOCCEROOS 2 - 3 GERMANY
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90+4' - The Socceroos push forward but they can't get a decent ball into the area and Leno takes his time taking the goal kick. SOCCEROOS 2 - 3 GERMANY
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90+1 ' - Four minutes of time have been added on, one of which has been played SOCCEROOS 2 - 3 GERMANY
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
90+1' - Mooy's corner is cleared and Werner looks to counter. He gets a shot away despite being hounded by three yellow shirts but nothing comes of it. SOCCEROOS 2 - 3 GERMANY
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Guest
Both teams bore me. If these youngsters are the future of German football, then Germany has no chance to win another WC for a while. They look like a bunch of spoiled kids. Technically good, yes, but spoiled.
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
89' - Kruse wins a corner very late and Mooy will be the man to take it. SOCCEROOS 2 - 3 GERMANY
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
88' - Behich finds space down the left hand side but his ball in the box is blocked by Mustafi and the keeper grabs hold off the ball SOCCEROOS 2 - 3 GERMANY
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
87' - Juric comes off for Tim Cahill in a change for the Socceroos SOCCEROOS 2 - 3 GERMANY
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
86' - Both sides have been seeing their passes intercepted late in the game, with neither side really looking clinical. SOCCEROOS 2 - 3 GERMANY
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Timmy coming on for you now!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
82' - Despite conceding early it has been a much better second half for the Socceroos. Can they get another one back? SOCCEROOS 2 - 3 GERMANY