World Cup warning? Germany are on a nine-match winning streak after overcoming the USA in the final

United States forward Christian Pulisic (right) reacts after a missed shot as Germany forward Leroy Sané celebrates. (AP photo) Germany sent a strong message ahead of the 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 10th-placed four-time world champions enter the tournament brimming with confidence after Leroy Sané’s second-half strike proved decisive in a close encounter in front of a sell-out crowd of 63,636. Germany will open their World Cup campaign against Curaçao on June 14 in a group that also includes Ivory Coast and Ecuador.Die Mannschaft got off to a dream start when Kai Havertz headed home Joshua Kimmich’s free-kick in the second minute. A foul by Tyler Adams just outside the penalty area allowed Kimmich to tap in and Havertz rose high inside the six-yard box to score his 22nd international goal.However, the United States fought back and equalized in the 37th minute. Christian Pulisic’s corner was only partially cleared by Jonathan Tah and Antonee Robinson unleashed a superb left-footed volley from the edge of the area. Robinson celebrated his fifth international goal with a flip and a backflip.Germany regained control 12 minutes after the restart. Havertz turned provider with a short pass to Sané, whose diagonal effort curled through the legs of defender Miles Robinson and beat goalkeeper Matt Freese at the far post, the shot appearing to take a slight deflection on its way.The victory extended Germany’s unbeaten run to nine consecutive games and underlined the momentum they had built up heading into the World Cup. They were not completely spared by injuries, 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 problem. Oliver Baumann started in goal in Neuer’s absence.The defeat continued a troubling trend for the 16th-ranked United States. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have now lost nine games in a row against European opponents from 2022. The Americans, who will host the World Cup for the first time since 1994, open their campaign against Paraguay on Friday before taking on Australia and Turkey.