Jürgen Klinsmann's impressive start as German coach continued with a creditable 1-1 friendly draw against world champions Brazil here Wednesday with Brazilian-born marksman Kevin Kuranyi cancelling out Ronaldinho's free-kick.
It was Klinsmann's first home match in charge and his team
turned in a determined display to offer hope for the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
"We have shown that we can match teams such as Brazil and could
have won the game," Klinsmann said. "The team is growing together and we took an important step towards the 2006 World Cup tonight."
Brazil took the lead after just nine minutes to stun the 73,400
fans at the Olympic Stadium with a fantastic free-kick from
Barcelona's Ronaldinho.
However, it took Germany just eight minutes to equalise with
Brazilian-born Kuranyi scoring against his homeland. A deflected shot from Torsten Frings looped into the path of Kuranyi and the VfB Stuttgart striker rifled home his fourth international goal in two matches.
"It was great to score against Brazil," said Kuranyi. "I tried
to get Ronaldo"s shirt to cap off the night but unfortunately it
did not happen."
The goal lifted Germany and with Sebastian Deisler, back after a
12 month absence following injuries and depression, pulling the
strings, the hosts almost went in front in the 23rd minute.
Bayern Munich's Deisler fed the lively Kuranyi who forced a fine
outstretched save from Brazilian custodian Cesar. Deisler starting the match was certainly a surprise. Klinsmann's also decision to hand Chelsea defender decided to start with Robert Huth, who has not played for the London club this season, his first start against Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
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Jürgen Klinsmann's impressive start as German coach continued with a creditable 1-1 friendly draw against world champions Brazil here Wednesday with Brazilian-born marksman Kevin Kuranyi cancelling out Ronaldinho's free-kick.
It was Klinsmann's first home match in charge and his team
turned in a determined display to offer hope for the 2006 World Cup on home soil.
"We have shown that we can match teams such as Brazil and could
have won the game," Klinsmann said. "The team is growing together and we took an important step towards the 2006 World Cup tonight."
Brazil took the lead after just nine minutes to stun the 73,400
fans at the Olympic Stadium with a fantastic free-kick from
Barcelona's Ronaldinho.
[bild2]
However, it took Germany just eight minutes to equalise with
Brazilian-born Kuranyi scoring against his homeland. A deflected shot from Torsten Frings looped into the path of Kuranyi and the VfB Stuttgart striker rifled home his fourth international goal in two matches.
"It was great to score against Brazil," said Kuranyi. "I tried
to get Ronaldo"s shirt to cap off the night but unfortunately it
did not happen."
The goal lifted Germany and with Sebastian Deisler, back after a
12 month absence following injuries and depression, pulling the
strings, the hosts almost went in front in the 23rd minute.
Bayern Munich's Deisler fed the lively Kuranyi who forced a fine
outstretched save from Brazilian custodian Cesar. Deisler starting the match was certainly a surprise. Klinsmann's also decision to hand Chelsea defender decided to start with Robert Huth, who has not played for the London club this season, his first start against Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
