World Cup warning? Germany ride nine-match winning streak after edging USA in final tune-up

Germany sent a strong message ahead of the FIFA World Cup, extending their winning streak to nine matches with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the United States in an international friendly at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday.The four-time world champions, ranked No. 10, head into the tournament brimming with confidence after Leroy Sané's second-half strike proved decisive in a closely fought encounter before a sellout crowd of 63,636. Germany will begin their World Cup campaign against Curaçao on June 14 in a group that also features Ivory Coast and Ecuador.Die Mannschaft made a dream start when Kai Havertz headed home Joshua Kimmich's free-kick in the second minute. Tyler Adams' foul just outside the penalty area allowed Kimmich to deliver, and Havertz rose highest inside the six-yard box to register his 22nd international goal.The United States, however, fought back and drew level in the 37th minute. Christian Pulisic's corner was only partially cleared by Jonathan Tah and Antonee Robinson unleashed a superb left-foot volley from the edge of the area. Robinson celebrated his fifth international goal with a cartwheel and a backflip.Germany regained control 12 minutes after the restart. Havertz turned provider with a short pass to Sané, whose diagonal effort squeezed through the legs of defender Miles Robinson and beat goalkeeper Matt Freese at the far post, with the shot appearing to take a slight deflection on its way in.The victory extended Germany's unbeaten run to nine consecutive matches and underlined the momentum they have built before heading to the World Cup. Injuries have not entirely spared them, with 18-year-old midfielder Lennart Karl ruled out after suffering a thigh problem in training, while veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was rested as he continues to recover from a calf issue. Oliver Baumann started in goal in Neuer's absence.For the 16th-ranked United States, the defeat continued a worrying trend. Mauricio Pochettino's side has now lost nine straight matches against European opponents dating back to 2022. The Americans, who will host the World Cup for the first time since 1994, begin their campaign against Paraguay on Friday before taking on Australia and Turkey.