体坛英语新闻：Germany beats Chile 1-0 in int'l friendly

BERLIN, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Effective Germans overcame resilient Chile 1-0 in an international friendly in Stuttgart on Wednesday.

Bayern Munich's Mario Goetze helped the Germans to snatch an unspectacular and neat victory over Chile in front of 54,449 spectators on home soil.

From the kick off Chile tried to take the reins and to control the proceedings on the pitch. The visitors were successful with their pressing and offensively minded strategy, as Germany needed some time to establish their rhythm.

Chile's Arturo Vidal nearly stunned the hosts with the opener but his header missed the top right of the goal at the eighth minute. Germany were busy to keep courageous Chile on distance, although the South Americans lacked in efficiency in front of Germanys goal.

However, it were the Germans who flabbergasted the visitors out of the blue when Mario Goetze finished the first chance by the Germans from eleven meters into the top right following an assist by Mesut Oezil at the 16th minute. Germany's counter attack via Bastian Schweinsteiger, Oezil and Goetze was too fast for Chiles defence.

Goetze had another chance just seven minutes later but his attempt went just wide of the right post. Despite Germany's neat lead Chile were the more active and willing team. Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez collected another chance for Chile but his shot found only the side netting before the break.

After the restart things started where they left off. Chile pressed for the equalizer meanwhile Germany lurked for second goal. Nonetheless, Germany were unable to overcome Chiles defence for a second goal meanwhile Chile failed to make use of their chances. Eduardo Vargas had the best for the hosts as his shot from the outside of the box rattled the woodwork at the 61st minute.

However they tried it, they were not able to beat Germany's custodian Manuel Neuer for the equalizer as Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez left their chances unused against unimaginative Germans.

"We have seen how good Chile is. It was incredibly difficult to play against this team. We were unable to implement our strategy and we have lost too many balls," Germany coach Joachim Loew said.