International friendlies wrap: Belgians thwart Dutch in Brussels

8/16/2012 10:18:00 AM
In a busy day of friendly action, the Netherlands looked on track for a win away from home after two goals in consecutive minutes from Luciano Narsingh and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar cancelled out Christian Benteke's opener for Belgium.

But the home side did not lie down on Wednesday and Dries Mertens brought Belgium level when he stole the ball in his attacking half and burst forward to score in the 75th minute.

Romelo Lukaku put Belgium ahead two minutes later after more good work from Mertens, who also created his country's fourth goal in the 80th minute, which Jan Vertonghen slotted home.

In Frankfurt, Argentina knocked off 10-man Germany 3-1 after the home side's goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler was sent off in the 30th minute.

While Lionel Messi's penalty that resulted from Zieler's red card was saved by German substitute Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Argentina eventually recorded a comfortable victory.

An own goal from Sami Khedira in first-half injury time put Argentina ahead and after half-time Messi and Angel Di Maria added goals before Benedikt Howedes scored an 81st-minute consolation for Germany.

Brazil regained some confidence after their loss in the final of the London Olympics football tournament to thump Sweden 3-0, while England had Jermaine Defoe to thank after the Tottenham forward scored a stunning winner to clinch a 2-1 victory over Italy.

Portugal defeated Panama 2-0 and European champions Spain held on for a 2-1 victory over Puerto Rico.

In high-scoring friendlies on Wednesday, Switzerland prevailed over Croatia 4-2, Greece held on for a 3-2 win away to Norway, Slovenia won 4-3 versus Romania and Scotland defeated Australia 3-1.

Russia drew 1-1 with Ivory Coast, Slovakia knocked off Denmark 3-1, Austria defeated Turkey 2-0 and France played out a scoreless draw with Uruguay.

South Korea overcame African champions Zambia 2-1, Japan drew 1-1 with Venezuela and Estonia defeated Poland 1-0, while the matches between Ukraine and Czech Republic as well as Serbia and Ireland finished goalless.

Northern Ireland drew 3-3 with Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Wales 2-0 and Bulgaria won 1-0 over Cyprus.

Canada were 2-0 winners over Trinidad and Tobago, while the United States clinched a 1-0 away win over Mexico - their first victory at the Estadio Azteca.

Other winners on Wednesday included Montenegro, Iceland, Macedonia, Belarus, Azerbaijan and Georgia.