© EuroFootball.com
Wednesday's Confederations Cup tournament in 2005 probably exceeded expectations - on the first day of the opening, a total of 10 goals were scored in two matches, with plenty of intrigue and intense battles in Group A matches.
However, there were no major surprises. Argentina defeated Tunisia 2-1 after a tough battle, while Germany had to fight hard and won 4-3 against the Australian team.
Tomorrow, the B group matches will continue. At 19:00, Japan will face Mexico, and at 21:45, defending World champion Brazil will take on European champion Greece.
Argentina 2 - 1 Tunisia 33' [1 - 0] Juan Roman Riquelme (penalty) 57' [2 - 0] Javier Pedro Saviola 72' [2 - 1] Haykel Guemamdia (penalty)
At the beginning of the match, Tunisia unexpectedly controlled the ball more, and in the 17th minute, a penalty was awarded against Tunisia's H. Guemamdia, but I. Mhadbebi missed the opportunity.
However, this incident did not disturb the Argentinians, who gradually took control and in the 33rd minute, another penalty was awarded, which J.R. Riquelme converted, giving his team the lead.
In the second half, Argentina controlled the game and scored a second goal in the 57th minute through J. Saviola. Yet, Tunisia did not give up, and soon after, H. Benachour missed a good opportunity to score.
The African champions continued to fight, and in the 72nd minute, Guemamdia was brought down in the penalty area. Another penalty was awarded, and this time Guemamdia converted it. Despite Tunisia's efforts to reduce the score, it was not enough, and they had to admit defeat.
Germany 4 - 3 Australia 17' [1 - 0] Kevin Kuranyi 21' [1 - 1] Josip Skoko 23' [2 - 1] Per Mertesacker 31' [2 - 2] John Aloisi 60' [3 - 2] Michael Ballack (penalty) 88' [4 - 2] Lukas Podolski 90+2' [4 - 3] John Aloisi
Just like in the previous match, the Australians, not considered favorites, started the match boldly, but Germany took the lead in the 17th minute through K. Kuranyi.
The German advantage lasted only four minutes, as a penalty was awarded against them, and J. Skoko scored. The attacking and intense game continued, and two minutes later, Germany regained the lead through P. Mertesacker.
Despite conceding another goal, the Australians continued to play their game and leveled the score again - with a perfect pass, J. Aloisi scored accurately.
Germany needed a win, and after the break, they pressed their opponents. After an hour, M. Ballack scored from the penalty spot for the third time, putting the hosts ahead.
Two minutes before the end of the match, L. Podolski secured the victory for Germany - after a pass from M. Ballack, he scored from a few meters.
In added time, J. Aloisi managed to reduce the score, but it had no significant impact - Germany celebrated their first victory in the Confederations Cup tournament.
