Dempsey double helps US defeat Germany

Heiko Westermann, Max Kruse and Julian Draxler all bagged goals for Germany, but a Clint Dempsey double ensured that the United States earned victory in Washington DC.

In a fixture celebrating the centenary of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), Germany coach Joachim Löw met his predecessor in the form of US boss Jürgen Klinsmann, and it was Klinsmann who came out on top, his side going into a 4-1 lead before a late surge from the visitors almost secured a draw.

A Benedikt Höwedes shot fell at the feet of Per Mertesacker 11 minutes in, but the Arsenal FC defender dragged his effort wide from close, and Germany were made to pay two minutes later as Jozy Altidore volleyed the opener into the top corner. The lead was then doubled in the 17th minute when goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen allowed a pass from Höwedes to slip beyond him and into his own goal, giving the hosts a two-goal advantage at the break.

Löw's men applied the pressure after the interval and were rewarded for their efforts in the 51st minute as a corner from the newly introduced Kruse was headed in by fellow substitute Westermann. However, any momentum gained was swiftly halted by Tottenham Hotspur FC man Dempsey, who volleyed in an Altidore cross before drilling into the top corner from outside the area.

The visitors did not give up, though, and in the 79th minute Kruse struck from the edge of the area, with Draxler then pouncing on an error by US goalkeeper Tim Howard to cut the gap down to just one. Germany could not find the equaliser, but they can console themselves with knowing that they will have their absent FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund players back for their next outing – a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against neighbours Austria on 6 September.