Germany, Chile enter Confederations Cup semis (Roundup)

World champions Germany and reigning Copa America title holders Chile have won their respective final group matches to enter the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup football tournament.

Germany defeated 10-man Cameroon 3-1 at the Fisht Olympic Stadium here on Sunday evening to secure the top spot in Group B, reports Efe news agency.

Timo Werner (67th, 81st minutes) struck twice for the Germans after Kerem Demirbay (47th minute) put them in the lead.

Cameroon striker Vincent Aboubakar scored the only goal for the Africa Cup of Nations champions in the 79th minute.

In Moscow, Chile played out a 1-1 draw with Australia in another Group B encounter to qualify for the last-four stage.

In the clash between Germany and Cameroon, the two teams failed to score in the first half. Midfielder Kerem Demirbay opened the scoring for Germany three minutes into the second half.

Cameroonian defender Ernest Mabouka got a red card in the 64th minute and Werner scored Germany's second goal just three minutes later.

Aboubakar scored the first goal for Cameroon in the 79th minute but Werner secured Germany's victory by netting a goal nine minutes before the final whistle.

Cameroon have crashed out of the Confederations Cup while Germany have topped Group B with seven points. They will face Group A runners-up Mexico in the semi-finals on June 29.

Chile, on the other hand were up against a spirited Australia side.

James Troisi put Australia in the lead, opening the scoring two minutes before the end of the first half.

Martin Rodriguez scored the equaliser for Chile in the 67th minute.

With this draw, Chile finished second in Group B with five points, while Australia were eliminated from the Confederations Cup after coming in third with only two points.

Chile are set to meet European champions Portugal in the semi-finals on June 28. Portugal finished their league engagements at the top of Group A.

--IANS

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