Alexis Sanchez breaks Chile goalscoring record in draw with Germany

Alexis Sanchez has become Chile's record goalscorer as the South American nation played out a 1-1 draw with Germany in Thursday night's Confederations Cup clash at the Kazan Arena.

The Arsenal forward returned to Juan Antonio Pizzi's starting lineup after being on the bench for the 2-0 win over Cameroon in their first fixture of the tournament.

It took Sanchez just six minutes to make his mark after Shkodran Mustafi's pass out of defence was deflected by Arturo Vidal into the path of Sanchez.

Mustafi's Gunners teammate made the most of the blunder by playing a smart one-two with Vidal before bearing forward and firing a left-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Sanchez's goal was his 38th in Roja colours, eclipsing the record of 37 set by Marcelo Salas in 2007.

However, the Chileans were then furious as Mustafi clattered through the back of Vidal later on in the first half, implying that he should have seen red.

Germany had their backs to the wall for the majority of the opening half but they nonetheless drew level in the 41st minute.

Emre Can picked out full-back Jonas Hector with a pinpoint pass and moments later Lars Stindl arrived to drill home from close range for his second international goal.

The result means that the two nations need just a point each in their next games to guarantee qualification from Group B.