Joshua Kimmich capped a good performance against Australia as he helped Germany to a 3-2 win with an assist in their Confederations Cup opener. The Bayern man didn't manage a goal but he was on hand to set up Leon Goretzka early in the second half. There were further goals from Lars Stindl and Julian Draxler from the penalty spot for Germany, whilst Tommy Rogic equalised for Australia at one point and Tomi Juric again reduced the deficit to make it 3-2. The win moves the world champions top of their group level with Arturo Vidal's Chile. Both teams meet on Thursday (20:00 Uhr).
Kimmich played the full 90 minutes as a right-back at the Fisht Stadium in Sochi and provided a real attacking impetus, beginning the attack that led to Stindl's early goal. It was all Germany for most of the game as they combined well but wasted numerous chances, scoring just the one.
Video referee in action
Australia grabbed a surprising equaliser after Rogic's strike from range after winning possession in midfield. However, the world champions stuck at their game and retook the lead through Draxler's penalty after Goretzka was fouled in the box. The Schalke man struck himself after the break to make it 3-1 after Kimmich's impressive pass.
There was then a short break in the play before Australia came back again through Juric as he turned home a parried shot with his chest. The confirmation that it was a legitimate goal and not scored with his hand came from the video assistant referee. Germany then lost control of the game and were a bit more sloppy in their play and passing as the Asian champions grew into the game but failed to really threaten Bernd Leno's goal further.
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