Klinsmann Can't Undo International Curse
February 10, 2005
Germany's miserable run against top nations continues as Argentina twice came from behind to net a 2:2 draw in the international friendly in Düsseldorf. The last time Germany beat a soccer world power was a 1:0 win against England in October 2000.
"It is disappointing to concede right at the end," said German coach Jürgen Klinsmann. "But I am happy with how we played and feel we are moving in the right direction."
The Germans played the better first half against the team Klinsmann called "possibly the best team in the world at the moment."
Bayern Munich defender Torsten Frings placed a large role in controlling the game's pace and converted a penalty kick against Argentine keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri to give the hosts the lead in the 28th minute.
Italian referee Stefano Farina awarded the spot kick after German striker Kevin Kuranyi collapsed in a heap following a corner kick challenge.
Penalties come in twos
On the other side of the pitch, Jens Lehmann, who started in goal for Germany while Oliver Kahn watched from the sidelines, faced a penalty kick duel of his own.
Juan Pablo Sorin was chopped down by a cluster of defenders in what looked like a fair challenge to the upset German bench. AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo drilled the kick home, scoring his first of two goals on the night in the 40th minute.
"The determination of both sides was there for all to see," said Argentina coach Jose Pekerman. "It was two of the world's most successful footballing nations out there and both sides came out of the game with credit."
Wanting to go to the locker room enjoying a goal lead, Kuranyi collected a pass from Bastian Schweinsteiger and put a well-aimed shot under the Argentine goalie in the first half's dying seconds.
Argentines stronger in second half
The break gave the Argentine team some time to get over their jet-lag and it came out strong in the second half, and especially impressed the German defense in the match's final 20 minutes.
Immediately after the break Olympic champions Argentina almost equalized with Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze spurning a great chance, heading over the crossbar when left unmarked in the center of goal.
On the hour mark Crespo appeared to be felled by Lehmann in the box but the referee chose not to award a third spot-kick claiming there had been no contact.
Spectacular lob draws score
The trickery of Saviola and Villareal playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme was a delight for the capacity 52,000 fans but not German defenders perplexed by their nimble footwork.
"Argentina really turned on the style in the final 20 minutes," Klinsmann said.
The South American team's attacking quality is undoubtedly their strength and in the 81st minute a brilliant move carved the German defense apart.
A quickly taken free-kick released Crespo and he produced a majestic lob over Lehmann to equalize.