Plattenhardt and Germany into semi-finals
Plattenhardt and Germany into semi-finals
Marvin Plattenhardt played a full 90 minutes as Germany beat Cameroon 3-1 on Sunday (25.06.17) to book their spot in the Confed Cup semi-final.
It was a first appearance at the tournament for Plattenhardt, who played the entire match at left back. Joachim Löw’s side struggled somewhat with their build-up play during the first half against a physically strong and quick Cameroon side. “We struggled into the game and gave the ball away too easily," analysed Plattenhardt. Many of Germany’s strong attacks came down the left side with Antonio Rüdiger and Plattenhardt, with the Hertha man delivering the best change of the half for the Germans in the first half. His inch-perfect cross was met in the box by Joshua Kimmich, who headed just over. Plattenhardt also impressed defensively, clearing from a dangerous attack by outmuscling Cameroon’s Sassogog. The Africa Cup holders would have gone into the break in front, but for an excellent save from Marc Andre ter Stegen.
Die Mannschaft started the second half much better and were able to find more space to exploit. It took just three minutes for the opener to arrive when Kerem Demirbay rocketed a strike into the top corner following a skilful assist from captain Julian Draxler. Leipzig’s Timo Werner extended the lead with a header midway through the half, before Cameroon were reduced to ten men. Aboubakar pulled one back with 12 minutes left on the clock, but Werner completed his brace soon after to put Germany out of sight. “Huge compliments to the team, we really fought hard in the second half and had many chances,” said Plattenhardt, who had the second most touches and the most crosses in the Germany team. “We pulled ourselves together, got a grip on the gamer and scored some lovely goals,” reflected a happy Löw following his 100th win in the national team dugout.
The win took Germany’s to points tally to seven, which left them clear leaders in Group B ahead of Chile, who managed a draw against Mathew Leckie’s Australia. The result pits Germany against Mexico in Sochi on 29th June.