Germany slip to US defeat

Germany 0-1 United States
World and European champions Germany suffered their first defeat on home soil since March 2006 in front of a sell-out crowd of 28,367 at the Augsburg Arena.

Wambach winner
Playing their first friendly since retaining the European title in September as they begin their long build-up to hosting the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Germany had the better of the game against the Olympic champions but were unable to cancel out Abby Wambach's 34th-minute goal as she turned in Yael Averbuch's cross following a Saskia Bartusiak slip. It ended a long unbeaten home run for Silvia Neid's side, who found US goalkeeper Hope Solo in fine form, dating back to a 1-0 loss against China three and a half years ago.

Neid sees positives
Neid said: "We saw a great game from both teams. I am very pleased, even if we lost due to a misunderstanding. We played very welll tactically, but lacked concentration. I can't remember us ever dominating a US team as we did in the first half." Visiting coach Pia Sundhage added: "It was a good game and it was a pleasure playing in front of such a big crowd. I give a big credit to our goalkeeper Hope Solo and our back four who did a great job. I am looking forward playing again in Germany in 2011, when we will see an even better US team."