Germany lose to Argentina in international friendly

Argentina avenged their FIFA Brazil World Cup final loss to Germany beating the world champions 4-2 in an international football friendly in Dusseldorf, thanks to a brilliant performance by winger Angel Di Maria.

Fifty-two days after the World Cup triumph in Brazil, Germany hosted Argentina Wednesday night, reports Xinhua.

Before the kick-off, the German national squad officially said their good-byes to former team captain Philipp Lahm, record goal getter Miroslav Klose and Per Mertesacker who all retired after the World Cup title.

However, the Germans suffered their first loss after 18 undefeated games in a row as Di Maria assisted three goals and scored one to give his side a 4-0 lead within 49 minutes.

Germany reduced the deficit to 2-4 thanks to Andre Schuerrle and Mario Goetze but it wasn't enough to avoid a loss in their first match since being crowned world champs.

"We made a few defensive errors but I can't blame my squad as a lot of players are still not in shape," Germany coach Joachim Loew said.

The Germans take on Scotland Sunday for their first match in the Euro 2016 qualification.