Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty but made amends with a superb second-half goal as Argentina beat Germany 3-1 in a friendly on Wednesday. An own goal by Sami Khedira gave Argentina the lead in first-half stoppage-time, Messi swept home the second early in the second half and Angel Di Maria blasted the third with an astonishing 35-metre drive. Benedikt Höwedes headed Germany's late consolation.
Germany played for nearly one hour with 10 men after goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler was sent off for hauling down José Sosa in the incident which led to the penalty. Marc-Andre ter Stegen came on for his second cap and, with his first touch, dived to his left to save Messi's weakly-taken penalty in the 31st minute.
There were plentiful chances at both ends in the first half but Argentina got the break when Khedira turned Di Maria's corner into his own net in stoppage time. Argentina brought on Sergio Aguero at halftime and extended their lead when Gonzalo Higuain pulled the ball back form the byline and Messi produced a majestic left-foot finish.
Di Maria made it 3-0 with a stunning drive in the 73rd minute, then Messi produced a stunning run through the defence but again narrowly missed the target. Höwedes pulled one back.
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Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty but made amends with a superb second-half goal as Argentina beat Germany 3-1 in a friendly on Wednesday. An own goal by Sami Khedira gave Argentina the lead in first-half stoppage-time, Messi swept home the second early in the second half and Angel Di Maria blasted the third with an astonishing 35-metre drive. Benedikt Höwedes headed Germany's late consolation.
Germany played for nearly one hour with 10 men after goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler was sent off for hauling down José Sosa in the incident which led to the penalty. Marc-Andre ter Stegen came on for his second cap and, with his first touch, dived to his left to save Messi's weakly-taken penalty in the 31st minute.
There were plentiful chances at both ends in the first half but Argentina got the break when Khedira turned Di Maria's corner into his own net in stoppage time. Argentina brought on Sergio Aguero at halftime and extended their lead when Gonzalo Higuain pulled the ball back form the byline and Messi produced a majestic left-foot finish.
Di Maria made it 3-0 with a stunning drive in the 73rd minute, then Messi produced a stunning run through the defence but again narrowly missed the target. Höwedes pulled one back.
