Germany warmed up for their Euro 2016 qualifier against Georgia with a draw at home against Asian champions Australia, the World Cup winners having to come from behind to avoid defeat.
Joachim Low experimented with both his personnel and formation, starting with a back three and without a recognised striker, but he later reverted back to his familiar system.
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Under pressure Arsenal star Mesut Ozil completed the 90 minutes and ended the game with the captain’s armband, but it was his on-loan Gunners team-mate who would steal the headlines.
Germany took a first half lead through Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus after good work from the industrious Sami Khedira. Reus hasn’t had any luck with the national side, picking up two ankle injuries in his last few appearances for Germany but he got off to a good start tonight.
Reus should have doubled the lead moments later but, as he continued to hesitate, the ‘keeper closed the angle and his effort was saved comfortably.
Australia remained in the game and looked dangerous throughout, especially in the first half with Germany’s back three unable to contain the pacey Mathew Leckie, and just before the interval Australia netted an equaliser through James Troisi who rose highest in the penalty box to head home.
It seemed as though Germany were still in the dressing room when the second half started as Australia stole the initiative through Crystal Palace skipper Mile Jedinak.
The powerhouse has become a dead-ball specialist and he added another corker to his growing collection.
As the game entered the final ten minutes and Germany looked to be heading for a home defeat, a familiar face came on to save his national side and score a landmark goal. Lukas Podolski of Arsenal, on loan at Inter, scored his 46th international goal to become the third all time scorer for Germany. A monumental feat.