With Germany looking for a few good men from a young Confederations Cup squad to join the rest of the big boys in Russia next year, Bernd Leno stood out like a Bud Light in Bavaria.
The Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper committed two howlers to actually let Australia think they had a chance of stealing a point against the reigning world champs.
Though Germany’s superiority won the day in a 3-2 victory in Sochi, Leno ensured he won’t be considered for a starting position with Die Mannschaft in Russia unless those above him come down with some kind of severe vodka poisoning.
Australia struggled to keep pace with Germany early, going behind four minutes in.
That is, until Leno stepped in.
Rogic got some help from Leno to (very briefly) equalize for Australia. @Powerade #AUSGER #ConfedCup https://t.co/3X5wLAhUPF
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 19, 2017
While Leno could argue his footing was off after Tommy Rogic’s first shot appeared to be heading toward the Black Sea, Rogic’s second shot went right under his hands and should’ve been stopped.
The match didn’t remain tied long, with American referee Mark Geiger whistling for a penalty kick, which 23-year-old captain Julian Draxler duly put away. Leon Goretzka made it 3-1 early in the second half.
Australia remained tied with Germany for a total 7:30, but the Socceroos made it interesting, again thanks to a Leno mistake, when the German let a long-range shot squirm out of his grasp. (Minute 1:30 in video below.)
Arguments over whether Tomislav Juric handled the ball on the way in are legitimate, but even with the deflection Leno should have held onto the initial shot, never giving Juric a chance to hammer home.
Of course, Germany saw out the game to pull even with Chile atop Group B standings and had a few players stand out in a positive light.
Draxler was calm and composed while dancing through the Australian defense, Goretzka and Julian Brandt were constant threats on offense and Joshua Kimmich continues to show his versatility.
Other players, like defenders Shkodran Mustafa, Jonas Hector and Antonio Rudiger did little to hurt their chances of returning to Russia next summer.
Leno, however, had a game to forget.
In the race to be Manuel Neuer’s backup, Leno was already behind Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen and PSG’s Kevin Trapp, who will likely get the remainder of the starts at the Confederations Cup.
Leno just made sure to cement his place on Monday, soiling a sterling reputation for German goalkeepers.
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