England captain John Terry’s header six minutes from time sealed a 2-1 win over Germany in Wednesday’s friendly at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium as Fabio Capello’s weakened team beat the Euro 2008 runners-up.
A first-half goal by West Ham’s Matthew Upson was canceled out by Bayer Leverkusen Patrick Helmes’ second-half equalizer following a mix-up in the England defense before Terry headed the winner in the closing stages.
Chelsea star Terry had been doubtful coming into the game after injuring his foot last weekend against West Brom, but the 27-year-old led from the front and scored the vital goal for his country.
“It was a good performance and the youngsters in the team have really given the manager some problems,” said Terry, whose goal inflicted Germany’s first defeat in Berlin since 1973.
The skipper also took the blame for Germany’s equalizer, which came after an embarrassing mix-up between him and substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson.
“I hold my hands up. I should have cleared it up. It wasn’t Scotty’s fault,” Terry said.
On a busy night of international soccer, world champions Italy had to come from behind to draw 1-1 with Greece, France’s stuttering form continued with a 0-0 draw in Paris against Uruguay, while European champions Spain signed off their memorable year with a 3-0 home success over Chile.
In Glasgow, Diego Maradona’s first match as head coach of Argentina resulted in a 1-0 win against Scotland.
The Netherlands were impressive 3-1 winners over Sweden in Amsterdam, with Arsenal star Robin van Persie scoring twice before Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt headed in the third goal in the second minute of injury time.
Middlesbrough’s Tuncay Sanli grabbed a hat-trick as Turkey beat Austria 4-2 in Vienna.
Craig Bellamy gave Wales a 1-0 win in Denmark, but both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland suffered home defeats to Hungary and Poland respectively.
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