Germany beats USA 2-1 in final World Cup warm-up, Sané scores winner after early Havertz goal

Fast start and a US equaliser

Germany needed only two minutes to open the scoring at a sold-out Soldier Field. Joshua Kimmich swung a free-kick from the right into the box after Felix Nmecha was fouled, and Kai Havertz headed home at the far post. The early goal did not settle the visitors, however, and the United States grew into the match. Antonee Robinson levelled in the 37th minute with a spectacular volley from outside the area after a corner was headed clear by Jonathan Tah, the ball dropping perfectly for the Fulham left-back to strike under the crossbar past Oliver Baumann.

Sané decides the contest

Leroy Sané, under scrutiny after the tournament-ending injury to young Bayern winger Lennart Karl, restored Germany's lead in the 57th minute. Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz combined to set up the winger, who finished low to the left corner from twelve metres. The goal was Sané's 17th for the national team and secured a ninth consecutive victory for Julian Nagelsmann's side. The United States pressed for a second equaliser late on, but Baumann preserved the win with saves from Joe Scally and Brenden Aaronson.

Goalkeeping and injury concerns

Manuel Neuer did not feature, leaving Baumann to deputise once again. The Hoffenheim keeper was beaten only by Robinson's unstoppable strike and made crucial interventions in the closing stages. Germany's preparations were hit before kick-off when 18-year-old Bayern talent Lennart Karl was ruled out of the World Cup with a muscle bundle tear sustained in training. Nagelsmann also faced questions about his pre-match remarks concerning young midfielder El Mala, which drew attention away from the performance.

Portugal also wins, Leao sees red

Elsewhere, fellow World Cup contender Portugal beat Chile 2-1 in Lisbon. Gonçalo Guedes, on at half-time for Cristiano Ronaldo, and Bruno Fernandes scored for the hosts before Lucas Cepeda grabbed a late consolation. The match was marred by a scuffle shortly before the interval that earned red cards for Portugal's Rafael Leao and Chile's Iván Román.

Ausgerechnet Leroy Sané, der Ersatz von Lennart Karl, hat die DFB-Elf zum 9. Sieg in Serie geschossen.

What it means for the World Cup

Germany head into the tournament on a nine-match winning streak, while the United States, co-hosts, must absorb a home defeat that will increase the pressure on coach Mauricio Pochettino. Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie were bright spots for the Americans, but the result leaves questions about the team's readiness for the opening match.