Germany has already sent a strong message. FIFA World CupThe United States extended their winning streak to nine matches with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the United States in an international friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday.The four-time world champions, number 10, enter the tournament full of confidence after Leroy Sané’s second-half strike proved decisive in a close encounter in front of a sell-out crowd of 63,636. Germany open their World Cup campaign on June 14 against Courao in a group that also includes Ivory Coast and Ecuador.Die Mannschaft got off to a dream start when Kai Howertz headed home Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick in the second minute. A foul by Tyler Adams just outside the penalty area allowed Kimmich to deliver, and Havartz lofted inside the six-yard box to register his 22nd international goal.However, the USA fought back and equalized in the 37th minute. Christian Pulisic’s corner was only partially cleared by Jonathan Tah and Anthony Robinson unleashed a superb left-footed volley from the edge of the area. Robinson celebrates his fifth international goal with a cartwheel and backflip.Germany regained control 12 minutes after the restart. Havertz turned provider with a short pass to Sané, whose diagonal effort squirmed through the legs of defender Miles Robinson and beat goalkeeper Matt Freese at the far post, the shot appearing to take a slight deflection into its path.The victory extended Germany’s unbeaten run to nine matches and underlined the momentum heading into the World Cup. Injuries haven’t completely spared him, with 18-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl ruled out after picking up a thigh problem in training, while veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been rested as he recovers from a calf problem. Oliver Bowman started in goal in Neuer’s absence.For the 16th-ranked United States, the defeat continued a worrying trend. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have now lost nine matches in a row against their European 2022 rivals. The Americans, who will host the World Cup for the first time since 1994, open their campaign against Paraguay on Friday before taking on Australia and Turkey.
