Germany make winning start to Confederations Cup against Australia

World champions Germany made a winning start to their Confederations Cup campaign with a 3-2 victory over Asian Cup winners Australia in Sochi despite struggling for their best form.

Lars Stindl gave Joachim Low's side the lead on five minutes before Celtic midfielder Tom Rogic restored parity for their opponents on 41 minutes after some sloppy goalkeeping by Bernd Leno.

A Julian Draxler penalty on 44 minutes and a Leon Goretzka finish on 48 minutes put Germany on easy street, but Tomislav Juric's finish on 56 minutes kept the contest alive until the closing minutes.

Germany were deserving winners despite never hitting top gear. They face Group B rivals Chile on Thursday with Cameroon - who lost 2-0 to Chile on Sunday night - meeting Australia in a match both countries must win to stay alive in the competition.