In a thrilling match at Soldier Field in Chicago, the United States was defeated 2-1 by Germany on Saturday. This game marked the U.S.’s final appearance before the start of the FIFA World Cup, following a solid 3-2 victory against Senegal last Sunday.
Kai Havertz kicked off the scoring for Germany with a header just two minutes into the match, catching U.S. goalkeeper Matthew Freese off guard. However, the Americans quickly found their footing after conceding the early goal.
As the first half neared its end, Antonee Robinson restored parity for the U.S. with a spectacular volley from 23 yards, sending the ball past German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann to make it 1-1 at halftime.
U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino opted for no substitutions at halftime, hoping to maintain the momentum, but Germany surged back in front with a clever play that allowed Leroy Sané to score with a first-time finish shortly before the hour mark.
This match served as the last tune-up for the U.S. before they commence their World Cup journey against Paraguay on Friday, taking place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, followed by matches against Australia and Turkey.
On the other hand, Germany, which faced difficulties in the last two World Cups by not advancing beyond the group stage, will kick off its campaign against Curaçao on June 14, followed by matches against Ecuador and Ivory Coast in Group E.
The match attracted a sellout crowd of 63,636 to Soldier Field, which previously hosted the 1994 World Cup opener. Notably, Chicago opted not to submit a bid to host matches for the 2026 World Cup, citing concerns over financial guarantees from FIFA.
The U.S. team competed without key defender Chris Richards, who has been sidelined since suffering a two-ligament tear in his left ankle on May 17.
Germany was also without 18-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl, who was ruled out for the World Cup due to a thigh injury sustained during training. Baumann started in goal while Manuel Neuer rested due to a calf muscle issue.
Freese, who has now started in goal for the U.S. 15 times in 18 matches, took over from Matt Turner, who was in goal for the prior game against Senegal.
Germany took the lead following a foul by Tyler Adams just outside the penalty box, with Joshua Kimmich converting the free kick that Havertz redirected for his 22nd international goal.
Robinson, meanwhile, netted his fifth international goal, finding the back of the net after Germany’s clearance attempt from a corner by Christian Pulisic fell to him just outside the box. To mark the occasion, Robinson celebrated with a cartwheel and backflip.
Information from ESPN Global Research and The Associated Press contributed to this report.