The United States produced an encouraging display despite falling to a 2-1 defeat against Germany in their final warm-up match ahead of the FIFA World Cup, extending their winless run against European opponents to 11 matches.

Facing one of Europe’s strongest teams just before hosting the tournament represented a significant test for the Americans. However, the packed crowd at Soldier Field was silenced almost immediately as Germany took the lead inside two minutes.

A well-delivered free-kick from Joshua Kimmich found Kai Havertz completely unmarked in the penalty area, and the forward made no mistake, heading beyond goalkeeper Matt Freese to give Germany an early advantage.

Although Germany continued to threaten after the opener, the USA gradually settled into the contest and began to gain control, looking increasingly dangerous as the first half progressed.

While clear-cut chances were limited, the hosts found their equaliser 10 minutes before the interval. After a corner was only partially cleared, Antonee Robinson met the loose ball with a stunning first-time volley from the edge of the area, blasting his effort into the roof of Oliver Baumann’s net to level the scores.

The USA gained confidence after their equaliser and continued to press forward, with Sergiño Dest and Christian Pulisic both firing efforts over the bar before half-time.

Despite Germany’s early lead, their first-half display remained unconvincing as the hosts frequently dictated the tempo and created the better openings.

Just after Pulisic had been denied by a superb double save from Oliver Baumann, Germany struck on the counter-attack. Kai Havertz turned provider, setting up Leroy Sané, who drilled a precise finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box to restore the visitors’ advantage.

The USA responded again, with Joe Scally testing Baumann from distance, only to be denied once more, before Brenden Aaronson saw a late attempt pushed away by the German goalkeeper.

Although the Americans were unable to find a second equaliser before full-time, there were encouraging signs for the hosts ahead of the tournament, with home advantage and the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino offering optimism for a strong World Cup campaign.

For Germany, the absence of Lennart Karl due to injury in recent days has been a setback, but expectations remain high that they will improve on disappointing group-stage exits in both 2018 and 2022.