Bender and Brandt in final against Brazil

Germany got off to a perfect start against Nigeria in front of a 40,000 crowd in Sao Paulo. In the ninth minute of the game Max Mayer did great work in setting up Lukas Klostermann for a tap-in to open the scoring.

The lead gave the team coached by Horst Hrubesch confidence and they pressed forward with purpose. Nigeria continued to pose a threat and their first chance came after a mistake by the keeper Timo Horn who played the ball to the feet of Umar on 12 minutes. The FC Köln shot-stopper made amends straight away to block Umar’s shot.

Then it was Germany’s turn at the other end with Lars Bender having a chance on goal on 20 minutes. Niklas Süle put the Werkself skipper through but the goalkeeper Daniel was able to make the save. Other efforts on goal before the break from Meyer, with a long-range strike that went just over the target, and a shot from Selke from a Lars Bender cross went rewarded.

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel had a decent chance for Nigeria on the half-hour mark but Germany conceded little at the back.

Germany had the better of the exchanges at the start of the second 45. Daniel first made a fingertip save from a shot from Gnabry on 48 minutes and Selke missed from a promising position a minute later. In spite of being behind, Nigeria were unable to make headway up front. Germany continued to have the better chances. Again and again Gnabry was on the ball but his final touch deserted the striker on the night.

Petersen seals it

The pace of the game was reduced in the second half. But Horst Hrubesch’s team remained solid at the back to deny Nigeria any openings. And then Germany mounted a decisive counter attack. Brandt put Selke through on the right flank and his cross found Nils Petersen with the substitute able to convert from a tight angle. That was the decider and Germany were soon able to celebrate their victory.

Krahn aiming for gold

The Germany women’s team, including Bayer 04 player Annike Krahn, are also through to their final. Led by coach Silvia Neid, the German team secured a 2-0 win against Canada on Tuesday night and are certain of a silver medal at least. Krahn played in central defence as usual and can now look forward to Friday night’s final (22.30 CET) against Sweden. The Scandinavians beat hosts Brazil on penalties in the other semi-final.

Kießling trains again

There was also a good reason to be happy at the BayArena: Stefan Kießling is back in training. The Werkself striker took part in team training on Tuesday and Wednesday and was in positive mood with fans after the session. His team-mates are busy preparing for the first competitive match of the new season. Bayer 04 are away to SC Hauenstein in the DFB Cup on Sunday (15.30 CET). The match is being played in Pirmasens.

Happy birthday, Jorginho

A familiar face from the past celebrated their birthday on Wednesday: Jorginho is 52. The Brazilian played for Bayer 04 from 1989 to 1992 making 87 Bundesliga appearances before moving on to FC Bayern. Jorginho is now the coach at Vasco da Gama in Rio de Janeiro.