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Rediff.com  » Sports » Confederations Cup: Sanchez becomes breaks Chile's top-scorer

Confederations Cup: Sanchez becomes breaks Chile's top-scorer

June 23, 2017 09:43 IST
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Chile’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring against Germany during their FIFA Confederations Cup Group B match in Kazan, Russia, on Thursday

IMAGE: Chile’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring against Germany during their FIFA Confederations Cup Group B match in Kazan, Russia, on Thursday. Photograph: Maxim Shemetov/Reuters

Star forward Alexis Sanchez on Thursday became Chile's all-time leading scorer during his side's 1-1 draw against Germany at the Confederations Cup.

The Arsenal forward broke the record just five minutes into the match, taking his tally to 38 with his national side at the Kazan Arena, Kazan.

Lars Stindl equalised for Germany -- who are now unbeaten in 12 games since their Euro 2016 semi-final exit -- just before half-time to leave both teams level at the top of Group B with four points each from their opening two games, although Chile have the better goal difference.

The strike pushed Sanchez past former Lazio striker Marcelo Salas, who netted 37 times in just 70 caps for his country, with Sanchez needing 112 matches to reach 38.

Chile and Germany need just one point from their remaining Group B games against Australia and Cameroon respectively to progress to the semi-finals.

Australia, Cameroon hopes hit after 1-1 draw

Cameroon’s Sebastien Siani and Australia’s Jackson Irvine vie for an aerial ball during their FIFA Confederations Cup, Group B match in St Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday

IMAGE: Cameroon’s Sebastien Siani and Australia’s Jackson Irvine vie for an aerial ball during their FIFA Confederations Cup, Group B match in St Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Australia fought back to draw 1-1 with Cameroon in the Confederations Cup on Thursday, a result that further dents both countries’ hopes of progressing in the eight-team tournament in Russia.

Andre Franck Zambo Anguissa put Cameroon ahead with the last touch of the first half, but a Mark Milligan penalty on the hour mark ensured a first point for both in Group B.

Australia play Chile in Moscow on Sunday and Cameroon face Germany at the same time in Sochi in their final group games.

Yet the chances of both the African and Asian champions finishing in the top two and progressing to the semi-finals look slim after they lost their opening encounters at the start of the week.

The two countries traded free kicks in the opening 20 minutes but it took until the 37th minute for either to create an opening.

Australia keeper Matt Ryan was called into action after a smart one-two between Cameroon captain Benjamin Moukandjo and striker Vincent Aboubakar allowed the former to fire at goal.

The African champions opened the scoring with the last kick before the break.

A long ball out of defence bounced over Aboubakar but Zambo Anguissa's deft touch steered it past the on-rushing Ryan.

The Olympique de Marseille midfielder missed out on a second in the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Australia levelled on the hour mark when Ernest Mabouka brought down Alex Gersbach to concede a penalty, after Serbian referee Milorad Mazic consulted the Video Assistant.

Stand-in skipper Milligan stepped up and converted from the spot.

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