Germany ease through to semi-finals as Werner scores double

The World Cup winners faced the African champions with all eyes on a place in the Confederations Cup semi-finals. A draw sufficed for Low's team to qualify while Cameroon knew that only a win would guide them through to the next round, always depending on goal difference.

And the urgency was more palpable from the African side as the match got underway. Germany were unable to shake off the pressure and the Indomitable Lions looked a constant threat as they attacked in numbers.

A couple of surging runs down the right-hand channel put pressure on the German defence, but the Africans were incapable of testing Ter Stegen.

After an unconvincing first twenty minutes, Joachim Low's team seemed to awaken, getting three chances under their belt and intimidating Cameroon into taking a step back.

Liverpool midfielder Emre Can was first to come close after attempting a curling shot from the edge of the box which had Ondoa beaten before flashing wide of the post.

Just minutes later, Plattenhardt lifted a dangerous cross into the six-yard box for Kimmich to attack the ball with a diving header which bounced across the goal and out. Next it was Rudy who asserted Germany's dominance with yet another chance when his long-range effort drifted off target.

Despite Germany claiming control, Cameroon did not give up in their efforts, and they put Germany's goal under threat with a Moukandjo cross that flashed across goal and out for a corner kick. A few minutes later they came back to life as Zambo got on the end of a Moukandjo cross to tap the ball towards goal, forcing Ter Stegen to palm the ball behind for a corner kick.

Following a neck-and-neck first half, Germany opened the scoring soon after the break. Draxler played a sumptuous backheel to open up space for Demirbay. The Hoffenheim man went for glory on his weaker right foot and saw the ball fly into the roof of the net as he opened his account for Germany.

Confusion reigned after the game reached the hour mark. Mabouka caught Can late and the referee showed his teammated Siani the yellow card. After checking the VAR review, the official showed Siani the red card, which prompted the Cameroon players' heavy protests. The referee had another look at the video assistant for confirmation and was finally able to send off Mabouka.

Cameroon's woes only grew further as Germany doubled their lead, this time when Werner scored his first international goal. Kimmich played the cross into the area and the striker guided his diving header past Ondoa.

Ter Stegen failed to deal with Aboubakar's header at the near post, the ball slipping through his hands and into the back of the net to give the AFCON champions a glimmer of hope. That hope was shattered moments later as Germany raced up the other end to restore their two-goal advantage. Werner fired home from inside the box to get his brace.

The Indomitable Lions fought well, especially in the first forty-five minutes, but first Demirbay's strike and then Mabouka's dismissal sealed their fate. Germany join Portugal, Mexico and Chile in the Confederations Cup semi-finals.