A much improved second half from the Socceroos prevented the match from turning into a blood bath as once Ange Postecoglou's men were made to chase the game from the get-go.

Lars Stindl scored the opener for Germany (5') and Julian Draxler regained the lead from the penalty spot (44') just minutes after Celtic star Tom Rogic levelled the ledger for Australia (41').

Germany extended their lead shortly after the break through Leon Goretzka (48') before Tomi Juric clawed one back (56').

For most of the opening half the Socceroos were chasing shadows as the World Champions - with the youngest squad at the tournament and minus their stars - monstered the first 45.

Not for the first time the Socceroos looked shaky in defence - and with five in the box none of them picked up Stindl. Julian Brandt with a surging run down the right flank cut the ball back to the unmarked Borussia Monchengladbach forward who fired past goalkeeper Mat Ryan for his first international goal.

An equisite free kick by Aaron Mooy offered a great chance of the half but the Socceroos failed to capitalise as Trent Sainsbury broke free of the defence but meekly nodded the ball wide (35').

It was left to Rogic to force the issue - the rangy Aussie slicing through the German defence firing, collecting the rebound off an opposition player, and then unleashing again to beat Bernd Leno between the sticks.

Massimo Luongo then coughed up a penalty with a clumsy tackle from behind brought Goretzka down inside the box and Draxler stepped up and converted, sending Ryan the wrong way.  

Germany coach Joachim Loew will wonder how his men went into the sheds just one goal up after dominating possession 60:40 and putting on 12 shots to 4.

Luongo was yanked at half time for Robbie Kruse and despite a positive start the Socceroos found themselves chasing a two-goal deficit - Goretzka left untracked as he made a forward run from midfield before a clinical finish.

But it was a much more composed performance by the Socceroos in the second half and just before the hour Australia reduced the deficit. Again Rogic was central, forcing the issue and as the ball pinballed in the penalty area, Juric pounced - the goal surving a referral to the VAR to make it 2-3.

The Socceroos finished strongly but always looked exposed to the counter.

The result leaves Germany and Chile with a win from Group B while Australia and Cameroon will need to get something from their remaining matches. 

AUSTRALIA 2: Rogic 41', Juric 56'

GERMANY 3: Stindl 5', Draxler (pen) 44', Goretzka 48'

Full report to follow.