EURO 2008: Germany 2:0 Poland
(Podolski 20’, 72’) Klagenfurt
The pre-tournament favourites announced themselves in Euro 2008 with a 2-0 win over Poland in Klagenfurt.
Lukas Podolski, a German of Polish blood, netted against the land of his fathers in the 20th minute, after Poland had committed hari-kiri with another hapless stab at playing offside high up their half, allowing Germany to carve open large spaces on the counter.
Podolski doubled his and his nation’s tally with a 72nd minute volley, handing the Poles a spoonful of déjà vu after beating them 1-0 at the 2006 World Cup.
Joachim Löw’s team were strong and well-organised, in the Teutonic tradition, but sat on their lead for much of a game, which never really caught fire.
This meant Poland enjoyed a lot of possession but the strong German defence had erected roadblocks 20 yards from their goal, preventing the Poles from engaging Jens Lehmann meaningfully.
Germany soaked up whatever Poland threw at them without breaking a sweat and completed a controlled victory, which sends them to the top of their Group B on goal difference.
German Football
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