World Cup contenders Germany came from a goal behind to draw 2-2 with hard-working Cameroon yesterday in their penultimate game before this month’s tournament in Brazil.

The Germans, who play Armenia on June 6 in their final warm-up, looked still some way off top form as they seek to end an 18-year title drought, missing several key players including captain Philipp Lahm and first-choice keeper Manuel Neuer.

Loew’s side almost got off to a perfect start when Mesut Ozil, completely unmarked in front of goal, somehow managed to shoot wide seconds after the kick-off.

The Germans came close again as attacking midfielder Mario Goetze, playing as a lone striker, sent in a low drive which was turned on to the post by Cameroon keeper Charles Itandje.

A series of tough tackles from the Africans threw the hosts off balance and gave the visitors the initiative. German keeper Roman Weidenfeller was called into action late in the first half, making a superb save in the 39th minute when Samuel Eto’o sent Ben Moukandjo clear.

Cameroon stunned the Germans in the 62nd minute when Eto’o’s shot was saved by Weidenfeller but the forward was in the right place to tap in a subsequent cross.

Their joy was short-lived, however, with Thomas Mueller charging into the box to head in a Jerome Boateng cross four minutes later and Andre Schuerrle tapping in a Lukas Podolski pass.

But Cameroon refused to lie down and Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting drilling an left-foot shot past Weidenfeller in the 78th minute.

Other results: Sweden vs Belgium 0-2; USA vs Turkey 2-1; France vs Paraguay 1-1.

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