Germany ties 2-2 with Cote d'Ivoire in soccer friendly

Germany ties 2-2 with Cote d'Ivoire in soccer friendly

BERLIN, Nov. 18 -- Germany played to a 2-2 draw with Cote d'Ivoire in a soccer friendly on Wednesday at Veltins Area.

The match started on high pace on both sides. 11 minutes after kick-off, German striker Lukas Podolski converted a penalty left-footed after midfielder Piotr Trochowski passed into path of striker Stefan Kiebling who was tackled by defender Guy Demel inside penalty area. Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers showed Demel a straight yellow and awarded a penalty to Germany.

Two minutes later, Cote d'Ivoire wasted a chance to equalize. German defender Phillip Lahm tried to pass the ball to goalkeeper Tim Wiese and Ivorian defender Emmanuel Eboue intercepted it but chipped the ball onto the bar.

In 25th minute, German defender Heiko Westermann had the chance to extend the lead after a corner, but his header was cleared off the line by Ivorian defender Arthur Boka.

Six minutes later, Germany had another scoring opportunity, but Lukas Podolski's shot on target was saved by Ivorian goalie Aristide Zogbo.

Seconds before the break, German midfielder Piotr Trochowski's attempt from 18 meters was denied by the right post. German coach Joachim Low replaced goalkeeper Tim Wiese for youngster Manuel Neuer.

After interval the match started evenly balanced. With 57 minutes played Emmanuel Eboue scored the equalizer. German defender Heiko Westermann return passed to goalie Manuel Neuer whotried to clear the ball, but Ivorian defender Eboue deflected the ball into the net.

At the 76th minute, Cote d'Ivoire had the opportunity to break through tie. Striker Salomon Kalou's shot on target, was deflected by German defender Per Mertesacker.
(Xinhua)

After 85 minutes, Ivorian striker Seydou Soumbia marked the lead, only two minutes after he was sent on, from 16 meters into bottom right corner.

Germany pressed for equalizer, while Cote d'Ivoire lurked for counter attacks. During injury time, Germany was rewarded, Heiko Westermann's pass into penalty area was exploited by Podolski who equalized with diagonal shot.