Germany defeats Chile, wins Confederations Cup 2017

Coach Joachim Low's team won 1-0 against Chile in the final to confirm their position as the reigning world champions.

The Confederations Cup title is Germany's successful preparation for the 2018 World Cup. Photo: Reuters.

Goal: Lars Stindl (20').

Stindl scored the only goal of the match after a mistake by midfielder Marcelo Diaz. The Chilean player held the ball in front of the 16m50 box and was robbed by Timo Werner before passing to Stindl to tap into the empty net.

Chile started strongly, constantly threatening the German goal. The South American champions had two chances to open the scoring, but Arturo Vidal and Angelo Sagal both shot over the bar from close range.

In the second half, Chile attacked fiercely but could not get the ball past goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was voted the best player of the final.

The victory over Chile gave Germany another trophy just days after winning the European Under-21 Championship. The 2017 Confederations Cup introduced a new generation of German football and further confirmed the bright future of the national team.

In the final, the total number of appearances for the German national team by the starting eleven was only 193, while the opponents Chile showed a wealth of experience with 944. However, the German players showed their age by being the cool-headed ones and taking advantage of their opportunities better in the decisive match.

The Confederations Cup title was a warm-up for Germany before they defend their World Cup title in a year's time. The German squad that won this tournament did not include a single player who helped them beat Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final. All the stars were rested by coach Joachim Low, but with the performances of the younger players, the next year or so will be a fierce competition for a place in the German national team.

Players like Leon Goretzka and Timo Werner have shown that they have a bright future in the German national team. The duo and Lars Stindl both scored three goals, but Werner finished as the top scorer thanks to two more assists.

Chile won the Copa America for two consecutive years but need stability if they want to cause a surprise at the World Cup. Photo: Reuters.

The defeat to Germany left a big regret for Chile. The South American team played a passionate final when launching 22 shots towards Stegen's goal. However, mistakes in defense made Chile pay the price and if it weren't for Bravo's excellence, Goretzka would have increased the score to 2-0 for Germany.

Chile will have to return to qualifying to ensure they return to Russia next summer. Alexis Sanchez and co are fourth in the South American group and are far from guaranteed to reach the 2018 World Cup. They need to improve their finishing and stop their defensive errors if they are to progress.

According to VNE