Germany

With Germany looking for a few good men from a young Confederations Cup squad to join the rest of the big boys in Russia next year, Bernd Leno stood out like a Bud Light in Bavaria. 

The Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper committed two howlers to actually let Australia think they had a chance of stealing a point against the reigning world champs. 

Though Germany’s superiority won the day in a 3-2 victory in Sochi, Leno ensured he won’t be considered for a starting position with Die Mannschaft in Russia unless those above him come down with some kind of severe vodka poisoning. 

2017 FIFA Confederations Cup Preview: Germany

History and Background

Like Gary Lineker once said, “Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.” It’s no surprise that Die Mannschaft are by far the most historically successful team at this tournament, having won four World Cups and three European Championships. 

Mexico international defender Carlos Salcedo, having wrapped up his loan at Fiorentina, is on the move to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan. Salcedo's rights are still owned by Chivas, where he played from 2015-2016.

VIVA MÉXICO
Carlos Salcedo joins #SGE on loan for one year.
Welcome to the #Eintracht family, Carlos! pic.twitter.com/Bu565lYu45

A lot of people like to moan about international football, but it can be really fun if you approach it with a no f**ks given attitude — just follow the example set by San Marino’s social media team during their qualifier against Germany. If you didn’t follow any of Saturday’s UEFA qualifying, here’s what you missed.

#1. Norway And Martin Odegaard Won’t Be At The 2018 World Cup

Rumors of John Brooks’ transfer from Hertha Berlin to Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga have been confirmed, and the reported fee of $22.4 million makes the USMNT defender the most expensive American player of all-time.

Brooks is currently in Denver with the U.S. squad ahead of a friendly against Venezuela and two key World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad & Tobago at home and Mexico at the Azteca. The fee paid for Brooks is roughly twice as much as the previous record, the $11 million Sunderland paid AZ Alkmaar for Jozy Altidore back in 2013.

Thomas Tuchel is out as Borussia Dortmund manager, the club announced Tuesday.

Tuchel was rumored to have been feuding with Dortmund's front office near the end of his second season in charge.

From a statement on the club's website:

Wolfsburg have had a rather embarrassing season, but on the last day it proved not to be disastrous. Wolfsburg will be in the first division next season after winning their promotion/relegation playoff against Eintracht Brauschweig 2-0 on aggregate.

Vieirinha supplied the goal that put the matter to rest with a thundering strike in the 49th minute.

Depending on who you choose to believe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already handed in his transfer request and will be looking to leave Borussia Dortmund immediately following Sunday’s DFB-Pokal final against Eintracht Frankfurt or he hasn't.

Former Eintracht Frankfurt fullback Guillermo Varela has proven that you don't need to be an Ohio State football player to get in trouble for unauthorized tattoos. Varela, who spent this season on loan at Frankfurt from Mancheser United, has had his loan deal terminated because of a tattoo.

Alexis Sanchez figures to be one of the world's most targeted players in this summer's transfer window. The 28-year-old forward scored 29 goals in 50 appearances with Arsenal this campaign, and it was often clear that he was shouldering the load when the Gunners were struggling.

Alexis Sanchez for Arsenal in the Premier League 2016/17:

Most take-ons (109)
Most goals (24)
Most assists (10)
Most through balls (9)