Last night saw the last international friendlies of the season with some entertaining encounters taking place.
The biggest surprise of the night came in the USA, where the home side defeated an under-strength Germany 4-3 in Washington.
The USA took the lead on 13 minutes. Graham Zusi’s cross was volleyed home by striker Jozy Altidore.
The home side doubled their lead four minutes later. Germany keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen committed a terrible error to allow Benedikt Howedes back-pass to go pass him into an empty net.
Defender Heiko Westermann headed Germany back into the game on 51 minutes from a corner kick. However, the home side extended their lead on the hour mark through a volley from Clint Dempsey. The Spurs attacker doubled his tally four minutes later with an effort from 20-yards out.
Max Kruse struck a powerful effort in the 79th minute to reduce the arrears and Schalke winger Julian Draxler scored Germany’s third goal three minutes later, but the visitors could not find an equaliser.
Elsewhere, Brazil and England drew 2-2 at the Maracana Stadium. The first half was goalless, but on 57 minutes, the home side took the lead. Substitute Hernandes struck the bar with a superb curling effort and striker Fred was the first to react to find the net.
The Three Lions equalised ten minutes later. Substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain volleyed a superb effort into the bottom corner of Julio Cesar’s net. England took the lead on 79 minutes, as Wayne Rooney’s sublime curling effort took a slight deflection and found the corner of the net.
The home side were back on level terms on 82 minutes, with yet another fantastic effort. Midfielder Juliano Paulinho volleyed an effort past Joe Hart from just outside the penalty area.
Will Brazil be a genuine contender for the World Cup on home soil next year?