USA 1-2 Germany: Sane seals ninth straight win for Nagelsmann's side

Leroy Sane scored the winner as Germany completed their preparations for the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over co-hosts United States.

Sane settled a closely fought friendly at Soldier Field, where Antonee Robinson's thunderous volley cancelled out an earlier Kai Havertz header.

Less than two minutes had elapsed in Chicago when Havertz escaped his marker to nod home Joshua Kimmich's free-kick from inside the six-yard box.

Arsenal forward Havertz had the ball in the net again four minutes later, but it had run out of play before Sane could cut it back to him in the area.

The USA equalised in emphatic fashion eight minutes before half-time, with a corner only cleared as far as Robinson, who rifled a 25-yard volley into the roof of the net.

However, Germany regained the lead in the 57th minute following a neat move that culminated in Havertz teeing up Sane, who drilled past Matt Freese.

Mauricio Pochettino's men increased the pressure as they sought an equaliser late on. Joe Scally's curling long-range effort was pushed away by Oliver Baumann.

After Nadiem Amari swept narrowly off target at the other end, the Germany goalkeeper came to his side's rescue again three minutes from time, denying Brenden Aaronson's fierce effort to secure his side's ninth straight win.

Nine wins from nine as Germany's momentum continues

Germany have suffered back-to-back group-stage exits at the last two editions of the World Cup.

However, Julian Nagelsmann's side are heading into the 2026 finals with plenty of momentum behind them. Today marks their ninth straight victory in all competitions, with an aggregate scoreline of 29-6 during that streak.

Havertz, who scored early in last weekend's Champions League final, was quick out of the blocks again in Chicago, as he staked his claim to lead the line against Curacao in Germany's Group E opener.

The USA registered an xG of just 0.98 from four attempts on target, albeit one of those saw them equalise courtesy of Robinson's blockbuster later in the first half.

Pochettino's side have struggled for consistency in their build-up to co-hosting the World Cup, with their last 10 friendlies yielding five wins, four defeats and a draw.

They were undone 12 minutes into the second half, with Sane allowed too much time to pick his spot from inside the box.

The hosts finished strongly and shaded the possession overall (52.3%). Yet results are what matters the most, as will prove the case at the finals, where they are aiming to win a knockout game for the first time since 2002.