International Friendlies: Austria 2-1 Germany, 5 talking points

#2 A game of two halves

Austria turned the tide after the break

Even if Germany were never at full pelt, they enjoyed a fair bit of dominion in the opening few minutes. The reigning world champions managed to create a handful of half-chances while Ozil’s curling effort for the opener was the best part.

Austria spent most of the initial quarter in their own half and only threatened on the counter. After a relatively cagey first-half, the hosts came back strongly post the interval. And Martin Hinteregger’s belter of a shot from near the byline was a sign of things to come.

The Buscher dominated thoroughly thereafter, oozing new found vibrancy in the attack and making life difficult for the visitors with quick passes and sustained pressure. It did pay dividends eventually, as Alessandro Schopf netted Austria’s second that proved to be the eventual winner.

Germany’s less glamorous neighbours turned the screw in the second-half, and despite throwing in numerous substitutions, there was no stopping them from claiming a famous victory.