SAINT PETERSBURG – Germans, the reigning world champions, claimed their first Confederations Cup title on Sunday in Saint Petersburg, Russia, using first-half goal to beat Chile 1-0 in the final.
In a frantic, physical match that saw each team threatening to score, it was Lars Stindl’s strike in the 20th minute that sealed it.
Chile was uncharacteristically sloppy at times from the back, taking advantage of an early error from Marcelo Diaz, which Timo Wener pounced on before feeding Stindl.
Chile crush Portugal 3-0 on penalties to reach Confederations Cup final
Each team had chances the rest of the way, with Chile failing to take advantage of some golden opportunities late, as Arturo Vidal missed a golden opportunity and Angelo Sagal blew a wide-open shot on goal, sending it into the stands with five minutes to go.
The Germans held on for the crown, capping an impressive run in the tournament with a team that could be categorized as their “C” team.
In the end, both nations proved they could be contenders at next summer’s World Cup.
Chile crushed Portugal 3-0 on penalties in the first semi-final on Wednesday while Germany advanced to the Confederation Cup final with 4-1 victory against Mexico in Sochi.
Team Line-ups
Chile: Claudio Bravo, Mauricio Isla, Gary Medel, Gonzalo Jara, Jean Beausejour, Pablo Hernandez, Marcelo Diaz, Charles Aranguiz, Arturo Vidal, Eduardo Vargas, Alexis Sanchez
Germany: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Matthias Ginter, Antonio Rudiger, Niklas Sule, Joshua Kimmich, Sebastian Rudy, Leon Goretzka, Jonas Hector, Lars Stindl, Julian Draxler, Timo Werner
