BERLIN, March 21 — Leon Goretzka spared coach Joachim Loew a humiliating defeat with a second-half equaliser as a new-look Germany side were held to a 1-1 draw in yesterday's friendly against Serbia.

Having controversially dropped veterans Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller from the national squad two weeks ago, coach Loew had announced the beginning of a "new era" ahead of yesterday's game.

The young Germany side looked comfortable in the opening exchanges, but Serbia scored with their first chance on 12 minutes.

A fortunate deflection at a corner found Luka Jovic unmarked in front of goal, and the Eintracht Frankfurt striker nodded the ball past Manuel Neuer.

Germany brought on Marco Reus and Leon Goretzka in the second half, and set about grinding down a solid Serbian defence.

On the odd occasion Germany did break through, Serbian goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic frustrated the hosts with strong saves.

But after Leroy Sane and Ilkay Gundogan could not take chances, Goretzka equalised on 69 minutes, lashing the ball past Dmitrovic from the edge of the box.

Germany will open their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign when they face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Sunday.

Results of friendly internationals yesterday

Malaysia 0 Singapore 1 (Ramli 82)

Wales 1 (Woodburn 90+2), Trinidad & Tobago 0

Germany 1 (Goretzka 69), Serbia 1 (Jovic 12)

Oman 5 (Kano 9, Saleh 27, Al Balushi 45+1, Al Muqbali 49, Akaak 90+3) Afghanistan 0

Iraq 1 (Meram 76) Syria 0 — AFP