Confederations Cup | Germany 3 – Cameroon 1

A strong second half performance saw Germany overcoming Cameroon with a 3-1 score.

Timo Werner of Germany in action
Timo Werner of Germany in action

In the early stages of the match neither team managed to produce any real threats. In fact, the first chance of the match was created by Germany on the 21st minute. Julian Draxler passed the ball towards Emre Can and the latter hit a powerful drive that went wide.

The world champions increased pressure and had another good chance three minutes later. Marvin Plattenhardt’s cross was met by Joshua Kimmich whose close range header ended up off target.

On the 36th minute, Kerem Demirbay of Germany fired a shot from outside the penalty area that once more failed to hit the target.

The Germans hit again on the 42nd minute. Plattenhardt went down the right flank and delivered a great cross that was met by Timo Werner whose finish was blocked by Fabrice Ondoa. However, the assistant referee raised his flag for an offside.

Cameroon’s first chance of the match came on the 44th minute. Ernest Mabouka served Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa inside the penalty area and the latter sent a first time volley that was tipped behind for a corner by Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Germany killed any hopes Cameroon might have had on the 47th minute. In an excellent piece of play, Draxler passed the ball towards Demirbay and the German midfielder sent a stunning shot past Ondoa.

Five minutes later, Germany had another good chance. Werner received the ball on the left side of the penalty area and sent a strong shot that went high.

Ondoa did brilliantly to deny Germany on the 54th minute. Can sent a through ball towards Werner that opened the Cameroonian defence completely. However, the youngster took the ball in stride. The ball fell for Kimmich whose effort was well saved by the opposing goalkeeper.

The African Champions responded on the hour mark. Vincent Aboubakar’s low shot from inside the area sailed wide.

A minute later, Cameroon threatened again. Christian Bassagog passed the ball towards Nicolas Ngamaleu who finished off target.

Cameroon went down to ten men on the 64th minute. Mabouka committed serious foul play on Can. The referee first cautioned Sebastien Siani. Later on, he mistakenly sent the same player off after consulting with the video assistant referee. Following a lot of protests, the Colombian went back to the VAR and showed a red card to Mabouka.

Germany took advantage of their extra man immediately and doubled the score. Kimmich delivered a long ball towards Werner and the Stuttgart player sent a diving header inside the net.

Cameroon pulled one back on the 79th minute. Ngamaleu sent a cross which seemed easy for Ter Stegen to neutralise. However, Aboubakar anticipated him and headed home.

The young German side responded immediately by adding another. Substitute Benjamin Henrichs passed the ball towards Werner and the German fired a shot that gave Ondoa no chance as he scored his second goal of the match.

Two minutes from time, Ondoa was on the alert to deny Germany from scoring again. Julian Brandt played Amin Younes inside the penalty area and the latter’s shot was parried by the young goalkeeper.

A minute later, Ondoa made his presence felt again by denying Younes from close range.

Following this result, Germany and Chile go through to the semi-finals of the competition.

Germany starting line-up: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Matthias Ginter, Marvin Plattenhardt, Julian Draxler, Kerem Demirbay, Timo Werner, Emre Can, Antonio Ruediger, Niklas Suele, Joshua Kimmich, Sebastian Rudy

Cameroon starting line-up: Fabrice Ondoa, Ernest Mabouka, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Adolphe Teikeu, Michael Ngadeu Ngadjui, Benjamin Moukandjo, Vincent Aboubakar, Christian Bassagog, Sebastien Siani, Arnaud Djoum, Collins Fai

Referee: Wilmar Roldan (Colombia)