Jesus goal the difference as Brazil end Germany's unbeaten run

Brazil went into the game looking to avenge their 7-1 thrashing at the hands of the Germans at the 2014 World Cup and they did so in the perfect way possible, by ending Germany's fine run of form.

Germany had the game’s first chance when Julian Draxler got to the byline and pulled the ball back for Ilkay Gundogan but he could only loop an effort well off target first time.

Mario Gomez looked a threat for Germany, but strong defending ensured that he couldn’t make the most of a couple of Josh Kimmich crosses.

With 36 minutes gone, the game burst into life. First, Kimmich headed wide at the far post after meeting a centre from Marvin Plattenhardt before Brazil finally awoke from their slumber.

First, Willian set Gabriel Jesus in behind. The offside flag stayed down and Jesus chopped back away from the retreating Jerome Boateng and Antonio Rudiger, only to blaze over from 12 yards under little pressure.

Within a minute though, he made amends by giving the the visitors the lead. Willian was afforded time and space to cross down the right and he picked out the perfect ball for Jesus, who snuck in between a pair of defenders to power a header through Kevin Trapp and into the back of the net to open the scoring.

 

March 27, 2018

That goal was the difference between the two sides at the break and Brazil continued to look the most likely after the restart.

Philippe Coutinho saw two efforts from range clear the crossbar, whilst Willian was denied by a fine block from Chelsea team-mate Antonio Rudiger after nice approach play from Brazil.

Trapp almost handed Brazil a second when he fluffed his lines when attempting to punch clear a corner, instead presenting the ball straight to Gabriel Jesus, but he could only head with wide with Trapp stranded.

As time went on Germany began to increase the pressure and the introduction of Sandro Wagner brought with it a more direct approach, but he proved unable to make the most of some inviting deliveries.

In the end 'Die Mannschaft' were unable to break down a stubborn Brazil rearguard as the 'Seleçao' held out for a morale-boosting win ahead of the World Cup.

 

March 27, 2018