Argentina 1 Germany 0

Argentina turned this friendly ugly but won with several stars missing.

Germany were also hit by a severe injury crisis in the run-up to this game but the South American side showed a combative side which unnerved their hosts and they won the key battles.

Matias Almeyda was particularly impressive in their midfield although Germany did have chances.

Oliver Bierhoff had a header saved in the 6th minute after me met a corner unmarked and Thomas Linke hit a header aganst the post from another corner but the Argentine defence gave up few chances with a rugged display.

Javier Saviola led Argentina's attack until departing with injury in the 30th minute.

He drove well at goalkeeper Jens Lehmann after neat foot work to create space in the 16th minute and seconds later crashed in a powerful drive which Lehmann beat out.

Claudio Lopez brought another save with a header from a Juan Pablo Sorin over head kick and the game then deteriorated into violent clashes with four quick bookings and a mass confrontation after Javier Saviola was caught by Jens Jeremies on the halfway line.

Argentina took the lead in the 47th minute after substitute Gustavo Lopez turned back on a right win run to create space and crossed for Sorin - the only player brought across from Argentina for this game - to get across his marker and head wide into the corner of the net with a glancing finish on the run.

Walter Samuel should then have earned a red card for felling striker Miroslav Klos on a run to goal but he was only booked and Michael Ballack spun the resulting free kick low and wide.