Sweden and Austria both beaten
International review:Sweden and Austria both lost international friendlies this evening ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against the Republic of Ireland in March, but Group C leaders Germany came from behind to beat France for the first time since 1987 with a 2-1 win in Paris.
France's Mathieu Valbuena provided the finishing touch to a dramatic, action-packed first half by putting Les Bleus in front, but Thomas Muller and Sami Khedira turned the tables in the second 45 minutes as Germany started the year with a win.
Argentina, meanwhile, were 3-2 winners at Swedenin a match which produced an action-packed start with four goals scored in the opening 23 minutes.
An own goal from Mikael Lustig put Argentina ahead in the third minute but West Brom defender Jonas Olsson drew Sweden level in the 17th minute.
Two goals in four minutes from Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero and Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain soon after earned the South Americans the victory, with Rasmus Elm’s late strike nothing more than a consolation for the side that lead Ireland by just one point in Group C ahead of their meeting in Stockholm on March 22nd.
Gareth Bale continued his sensational recent form with a goal and an assist as Walesclaimed victory over Austriaat the Liberty Stadium.
The Tottenham winger scored his 10th goal for his country with a smart finish as he made full use of Joe Allen’s lovely lofted pass in the 21st minute.
The hosts had to survive some nervy moments, notably when Emanuel Pogatetz had a header wrongly ruled out for offside and David Alaba struck the post, but Bale made another telling contribution with a pin-point cross for substitute Sam Vokes to head in the second early in the second half.
Captain Marc Janko pulled a goal back for Austria but Wales held on for a valuable win.
Five-time world champions Brazilslumped to a 2-1 defeat to Englandat Wembley, with Frank Lampard netting a 60th-minute winner for the hosts after Fred (48) had cancelled out Wayne Rooney’s 27th-minute opener.
Veteran playmaker Ronaldinho had seen an 18th-minute penalty saved by England goalkeeper Joe Hart, as Brazil lost to England for the first time since 1990.
Charlie Mulgrew’s first goal for Scotlandgot new boss Gordon Strachan’s tenure off to a winning start against Estoniaat Pittodrie.
Celtic defender Mulgrew got the only goal in the 38th minute at the home of his former club when he fired in from a Charlie Adam free-kick — his first goal in dark blue.
Ironically, when he was boss at Celtic, Strachan deemed Mulgrew surplus to requirements during the defender’s first stint at Parkhead.
