Kazan: Alexis Sanchez refused to be drawn on his Arsenal future after becoming Chile’s all-time top-scorer in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Germany at the Confederations Cup.
The Gunners’ star, voted man of the match, became Chile’s all-time top-scorer with his 38th international goal after capitalising on an early mistake in the German defence.
Sanchez has yet to sign a new deal with Arsenal and pointedly ignored a question about his future as he accepted the man-of-the-match award.
“I’m very happy to be Chile’s top-scorer now, our dream is to win this tournament and we feel we have a chance,” said Sanchez.
Despite falling behind, inexperienced Germany fought back as Lars Stindl netted his second goal of the tournament to equalise for the world champions just before the break.
The result leaves South American champions Chile top of Group B on goal difference from the Germans.
With both teams on four points, three ahead of Australia and Cameroon who drew 1-1 earlier, they are in pole position to reach next week’s semi-finals.
Germany play Cameroon on Sunday in Sochi while Chile face the Socceroos in Moscow.
Despite leaving all his World Cup-winning stars at home, Germany’s head coach Joachim Loew was delighted how his young team fared.
“I am very satisfied with my boys,” said Loew. “It was a game of the highest standard.
“They all did well, with so little experience, so few international matches.
“Against a world-class team like Chile, you will always only get a few chances.”
Earlier, Australia’s captain Mark Milligan converted a second-half penalty as the Socceroos fought back to draw with Cameroon to leave both teams facing an early exit.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, 21, gave Cameroon a superb lead with a deft flick over Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan on the stroke of half-time in St Petersburg.
Milligan came to the Socceroos rescue by slotting home a spot-kick on 60 minutes as both sides picked up their first Confed Cup point.
“I am quite disappointed because we had the means to win the match,” said man-of-the-match Zambo Anguissa.
“But nothing is over, we still have a match to go against Germany.”
Just as happened against Germany, another lapse in concentration cost Australia for Zambo Anguissa’s goal.
“We controlled large parts of the game and they were pretty dangerous, we lacked some composure in front of goal,” said Australia coach Ange Postecoglou.
“I’m disappointed with the goal, these little lapses cost us, it was a sucker punch and we didn’t give up.”
