Germany 3-3 Turkey: Karaman denies Low a first win of 2020

Kenan Karaman’s stoppage-time strike ensured Germany’s wait for a first win of 2020 continued as Turkey drew 3-3 with Joachim Low’s side in Cologne.

Gian-Luca Waldschmidt’s first international goal nine minutes from time looked to have clinched victory for Germany in Wednesday’s friendly.

Waldschmidt’s strike came after Efecan Karaca had dragged Turkey level for a second time, despite a fairly blatant foul on Florian Neuhaus – who scored on his Germany debut – in the build-up.

Julian Draxler put Germany ahead before Ozan Tufan’s stunning finish restored parity in a topsy-turvy encounter, but it ultimately fell to Karaman, who also hit the bar, to have the final say.

Draxler tapped in at the end of a move he started inside six minutes, only for the offside flag to cut Germany’s celebrations short.

Germany’s captain in the absence of Manuel Neuer had his goal on the stroke of half-time, however, as he raced through to lift a cute finish over Fehmi Mert Gunok.

Julian Brandt might have doubled Germany’s tally after the break but for Okay Yokuslu’s intervention, before Turkey made it count when Tufan curled a sublime finish over Bernd Leno.

Yet Germany swiftly struck back, debutant Neuhaus combining brilliantly with Kai Havertz – who also assisted the opener – before slotting home.

Neuhaus was involved again nine minutes later, though this time for a Turkey goal. Karaca barged the midfielder over before curling beyond Leno, yet a foul was not given.

Germany thought they had a winner regardless when Gunok failed to keep out Waldschmidt’s thumping strike, but Turkey rallied once more.

Substitute Karaman proved to be their hero and, moments after hitting the bar, he cushioned a finish past Leno from Abdulkadir Omur’s knock-down.