Low expects tough Mexican test

SOCHI, Russia - Germany coach Joachim Low is looking forward to facing Mexico in the Confederations Cup semifinals after his experimental side beat 10-man Cameroon 3-1 in Sunday's Group B closer.

Timo Werner, 21, netted twice as the world champion finished two points clear of Chile, which drew 1-1 with Australia in Moscow.

Germany will play Mexico in Sochi on Thursday for a place in Sunday's final while Chile meets Portugal in the other last-four clash on Wednesday in Kazan.

"Mexico is going to be a tough game, they are a very flexible team with very good players," said Low, who became the first head coach to achieve 100 international wins.

Germany's Kerem Demirbay vies for possession with Cameroon's Collins Fai during their FIFA Confederations Cup Group B match at Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia. Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters

"We don't often play Central American sides, so that will be interesting for us. We need to be on our guard."

After Kerem Demirbay opened the scoring in Sochi, Werner struck either side of Vincent Aboubakar's consolation effort in the 78th minute.

Cameroon's Ernest Mabouka received his marching orders in controversial fashion in the 64th for a tackle on Emre Can.

In a case of mistaken identity, Sebastien Siani was initially sent off by referee Wilmar Roldan after he inspected the video-review monitor.

However, after furious protests from Cameroon players, Colombian ref Roldan returned to the footage again and, correcting his error, dismissed Mabouka instead.

Video assistant referees are being tested at the tournament, with a view to possibly using them at next year's World Cup. However, the system has not run smoothly in Russia, with the VAR resulting in lengthy stoppages and players protesting against marginal decisions.

Low, in his 150th match in charge of Germany, maintained his impressive record of reaching the semifinals of every tournament over the past decade.

Traffic trouble

The 57-year-old praised his inexperienced side, but the Africans' coach Hugo Broos lashed out at tournament organizers.

The Belgian lauded the "excellent" standard of the stadiums, but said heavy Moscow and Saint Petersburg traffic had hampered training sessions.

"On three different occasions we had to start our session an hour late because we were stuck in traffic, even though we had a police escort from the hotel," said Broos.

"That must be reviewed and sorted out, because in one year's time, when the World Cup is here, teams should not be stuck in traffic.

"It's not that you start an hour late, everything gets pushed back and on one occasion we ate at 10 at night, which is far too late."

Meanwhile, Copa America champion Chile had to come from behind to salvage a point against Australia.

After James Troisi put the Asian champion ahead in the 42nd minute at Spartak Stadium, Chile replied through substitute Martin Rodriguez in the 67th to advance as Group B runners-up.

Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said he hadn't underestimated Australia.

"That could have been a quarterfinal in the World Cup, such was the level of this game," said Pizzi.

"We are happy to reach the semifinals and reach that aim. Now we must refocus on our next ambition."

Australia boss Ange Postecoglou said: "We wanted to get out of the group, so we are disappointed.

"Chile is a world-class team, and have played some of the best teams in the world off the park.

"We needed energy to face that and the guys who came in did a great job. From my perspective, it was a great performance."

Postecoglou also praised 37-year-old Tim Cahill as Australia's captain earned his 100th cap.

The ex-Everton, Millwall and Shanghai Shenhua striker joined former goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer (109) as the only other Australia player to reach the milestone.

"It's an unbelievable achievement," Postecoglou said of Cahill, who began playing for Australia when he was 24.

Agence France-Presse