Euro 2008
Podolski Fuels German Victory Over Heated Rival
Germany improved to 12-0-4 against their border rivals Poland and took the early lead over Croatia in Group B with an impressive 2-0 win. Chase Haislip reports.
Germany’s players celebrate victory over Poland
Klagenfurt: Germany improved to 12-0-4 against their border rivals Poland and took the early lead over Croatia in Group B with an impressive 2-0 win. The irony of the win came in the form of Lukas Podolski, a Polish born German striker, who netted both goals for the German win. Podolski, whose parents moved over the Polish border when Podolski was very young, has struggled in recent games, but seemed to find his form in tonight.
In the 20th minute, Miroslav Klose cleverly beat the Polish offside trap and ended up one on one with the goalie. He picked out Podolski across the six yard box and Podolski easily tapped the ball in to give Germany the 1-0 advantage.
Croats Stumble To Victory As Germans Throw Down The Gauntlet
Germany 2-0 Poland: Favourites Germany end a 12-year wait
Austria 0-1 Croatia: Two hosts find spirit alone is not enough
The Polish defense managed to settle down and keep the German attack quiet until the 72nd minute when Polish defender Pawel Golansk misplayed a long ball, allowing Bastian Schweinsteiger to steal the ball and play it to Klose. Klose uncharacteristically missed the ball in the air, but the ball fell right to Podolski, who launched it past the Polish goalkeeper to give Germany a commanding 2-0 lead. The Germans ran circles around Poland for the rest of the game, preventing them from putting any real pressure on shaky goalkeeper Jens Lehman.
Poland’s best chance may have come 40 seconds into the game, when Lehman fell over a German defender allowing Polish captain Maciej Zurawski to get his head on the ball inside the box. Luckily, the ball was deflected away at the last moment. Germany’s defense did not allow many chances on Lehman, but did struggle with possession. Poland owned the ball for most of the second half, but failed to capitalize on the scoreboard.
Germany plays Croatia next, who narrowly under matched Austria in their first match with a 1-0 win. Croatia will have to play better against the fast moving one-touch German attack, which made Poland’s defense look extremely vulnerable.
Questions also arise as to who will play striker for Germany in their next game. Klose and Mario Gomez looked extremely uncomfortable from the get-go, and Podolski was constantly racing up to take Gomez’ spot on the attack. German coach Low may decide to replace Gomez in favor of substitute Kevin Kuranyi or move Podolski to striker and place Schweinsteiger at left midfielder. Either way, Croatia must be better-prepared for Germany’s lightening quick attack and smothering midfield play.
Tags: Discussion
4 comments for “Podolski Fuels German Victory Over Heated Rival”
Post a comment
Welcome to Footballing World
Recent Posts
In Focus
Jonathon Craigie believes Rafa Benítez has finally found the key to securing Premier League glory for Liverpool.
Featured Posts
Fabio Capello's reign began slowly but England have since shone in World Cup qualifying, a return to the days of Sven-Goran Eriksson when progressing into major tournaments was always a facile task.
Jonathan O'Shea looks at the English quartet's chances of progressing into the knockout stages of the Uefa Cup.
How important is Javier Mascherano for Liverpool? Chakrit Narula believes the all-action Argentine could be a future captain following his terrific impact since arriving at Anfield.
[...] Podolski Fuels German Victory Over Heated Rival Germany 2-0 Poland: Favourites Germany end a 12-year wait Austria 0-1 Croatia: Two hosts find spirit alone is not enough [...]
[...] Podolski Fuels German Victory Over Heated Rival Croats Stumble To Victory As Germans Throw Down The Gauntlet Austria 0-1 Croatia: Two hosts find spirit alone is not enough [...]
I think that the Germans have certainly emphasised their position as the tournament favourites, although it will be interesting to see them up against some tougher opposition in Croatia on Thursday.
[...] POLANDPodolski Fuels German Victory Over Heated Rival [...]