- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
After three matches, only goal difference could split world champions Germany and a Robert Lewandowski-led Poland, with Northern Ireland’s fate hanging in the balance.
In what was only his second appearance and first start for Germany in this year’s Euros, Mario Gomez opened the scoring in the 29th minute.
Coming off the back off an unexpected and equally impressive 2-0 win over Ukraine, Northern Ireland, on three points, would’ve felt like they needed an unlikely point to be gain third place qualification.
As expected, Germany dominated all aspects of the game, finishing with a whopping 79 per cent possession, virtually shutting Ireland out of the game.
But, as has been the case in their previous two matches, Germany struggled to finish their chances and failed to kill off the game like they would’ve hoped.
Overnight at the Euros:
» Ireland stun Italy
» Sweden heading home after loss to Belgium
» Hungary and Portugal even in six-goal thriller
» Iceland’s historic victory over Austria
To go with their 79 per cent possession, they had 28 shots, of which only nine were on target, scoring only the one previously mentioned goal.
The story of their campaign has been doing the minimum they have had to for results, and the same can be said about this match. They were composed on the ball without creating many clear cut chances and remained solid in defence in an uneventful game for Manuel Neuer and co.
To their credit, Northern Ireland put in a good performance against a far superior German outfit.
Much can be said about Germany failure to convert their chances but praise needs to be heaps on the Irish defence, especially goalkeeper Michael McGovern who was arguably best on field in a losing side.
They mightn’t have the attacking prowess of Germany but they fought hard and put on a good show that their passionate supporters, including golf star Rory McIlroy, all got behind and enjoyed.
After two disappointing performances against Germany and Northern Ireland, Ukraine were looking to bounce back and finish their tournament strong against a Polish side who have far from thrilled.
Much of the criticism levelled at Ukraine was their lack of unity, but today was different.
Right from the anthem before play had begun, they stood arm in arm belting out their national tune, showing they were finally ready to play as a team, albeit, too little too late.
After starting the half strong, thanks to some unexpected nerves from Poland, Ukraine will count themselves unlucky to not have been awarded a possibly match-changing penalty in the first half with the scores at locked 0-0.
They dominated possession, (66 per cent) and the shot count, (19 to Poland’s nine) but as it has been throughout the tournament they failed to find the back of the net, their best chance was Andriy Yarkolenko uncharacteristically missing a difficult one on one with the goalkeeper at 0-0 in the first half.
A team that created excitement surrounding their attacking ability, Poland have been more impressive defensively so far, keeping three out of three clean sheets, a feat matched by Germany.
With Lewandowski missing a sitter in the first half¸ Poland bounced back from their nervy start after the break and somewhat undeservingly took the lead through a superbly finished chance from substitute Jakub Blaszczykowski.
After they took the lead they steadied the ship to see home a 1-0 victory.
Germany and Poland, with two wins and a draw each, finished on seven points with Germany topping the group on goal difference.
If Germany are to go on and take out the title, they will need to find some ruthlessness in front of goal. While their three clean sheets is impressive, their lack of final product will hurt them if they don’t improve against the better opposition.
Look to Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller to step up and produce in the sudden death rounds. Poland will feel as though they have achieved their objectives by just proceeding into the knockouts so further progression from here is a bonus.
Although contributing to team performances in other ways, Lewandowski will be disappointed not to have found the net in any of the three games.
If the draw is kind to Poland, Lewandowski has the potential to fire his side into the quarter finals and beyond.
Over achieving by even winning a match, regardless of whether they progress further or not, Northern Ireland and their fans can hold their heads up high after their performances in their debut Euros.
With an even goal difference and three points on the board they look like a real chance of progressing.
Expected to rival Poland for the second spot in this group, Ukraine have embarrassed, and will leave France without having scored a goal or gaining a single point from their three matches.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.