Germany 2-2 Argentina: 5 talking points | International friendly

The international friendly was a very exciting contest as Argentina rallied from behind to share the spoils with Germany at the Signal Iduna Park.

The game was a tale of two halves, with Germany putting two goals past La Albiceleste before Argentina pegged the Germans back in the second period, scoring two goals to balance the score sheet.

The party began very early on, as Serge Gnabry received a pass from Niklas Sule and poked the ball past Agustin Marchesin to give Germany an early advantage over their rivals. The advantage was doubled a few minutes later as Kai Havertz received a pass from Gnabry to convert from close range as the Germans went into the interval with a 2-0 advantage.

Lionel Scaloni's men, however, had a better second half, as the Argentine manager made a series of game-changing substitutions. In the 65th minute, Lucas Alario rose above Die Mannschaft's rearguard to send the ball home.

In the 85th minute, an Argentinean counter-attack ended with Lucas Ocampos squeezing his shot past Emre Can as well as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and into the net.

In this article, we analyse some talking points from the encounter.

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#1 Serge Gnabry continues his amazing streak

Serge Gnabry in action for Die Mannschaft

The Bayern Munich winger was at his very best in the encounter as he once again found the back of the net.

Serge Gnabry continued his goal-scoring streak for Germany, as he made it six goals in six games for Germany in 2019. It was also his 4th goal in as many starts for Joachim Low's men and Gnabry now has a total of 10 goals in 11 international games for Germany.

In the 15th minute, Gnabry received a low cross in the box, outfoxed a defender and stabbed the ball beyond Marchesin and into the goal. He was also on hand to provide the final ball to Kai Havertz for Germany's second goal as well.

#2 Germany's young guns shine in the absence of the regulars

Germany's Joachim Low - Laying a firm foundation

The German team for this encounter had a lot of notable absentees, with the likes of Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan, and Marco Reus sitting this one out due to various ailments. However, this allowed Joachim Low to experiment, as he fielded some bright talents.

His faith was repaid, especially in the first half, with Germany's young guns showing great understanding as they combined beautifully all over the pitch, both in attack and defence. The likes of Julian Brandt, Serge Gnabry, and Kai Harvetz had excellent outings.

Brandt was impressive throughout, connecting the dots for Die Mannschaft in midfield. Gnabry and Harvetz were wonderful upfront, and they were rewarded for their efforts with a goal each.

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#3 Game-changing substitutions by Argentina

Argentina's Lionel Scaloni

Argentina may have had a somewhat poor first half, but in the second period, they brought their A-game, as they matched the Germans all over the pitch, and were eventually rewarded for their efforts.

Lionel Scaloni made a couple of fortuitous substitutions in the 2nd half, bringing on men who would alter the fate of the encounter. For the first goal, Lucas Alario received a beautiful cross from Marcos Acuna, and he connected with a lovely header to make it 2-1.

In the closing moments of the game, Alario turned provider, as he teed up Lucas Ocampos for the winner. The assists and goals were provided by players who came on as substitutes.

#4 Joachim Low's changes allowed Argentina back in the game

Germany's Joachim Low

It was a game of contrasting fortunes with regards to the effectiveness of substitutions. Lionel Scaloni's substitutions proved to be a masterstroke which enabled him to draw level in the contest.

Germany's subs, on the other hand, took the game away from their grasp, due to spells of indecisiveness from their rearguard. The team looked unsettled with careless passes from their defence turning out to be their undoing.

Here's what Low had to say about the draw -

Basically you're always annoyed when you're leading 2-0 and then draw 2-2.

They brought in some quality from their substitutions. In the second half we lost the ball a few times. We weren't so courageous and got into difficulties.

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#5 Both teams continue their rich vein of form

Argentina's Paulo Dybala

Despite going into the encounter without a lot of their regulars, both teams still managed to come out of the encounter unscathed.

Germany came into this encounter with just a single loss in 2019, and Argentina had only lost three times in 11 games this year. Commendable numbers and the match was an excellent dress rehearsal for the important fixtures ahead for both teams.

Argentina's next game will be against Ecuador in a friendly, while Die Mannschaft will be taking on Estonia in a UEFA Euro qualifier.