Germany wins ugly and intense opening match against Portugal.
Defense stands out, attack not so much.
Wow, this was intense. Germany just pulled through thanks to a Mario Gomez header in the 72nd minute. Germany operated with 64% ball possession in the first half but didn't create one meaningful chance on offense. Not much the same could be said about Portugal, who nearly stole a goal with their very first chance, a strike by Pepe after a corner kick which just landed underneath the crossbar and the ball clearly on the line.
Despite one return that became a little too short and almost resulted in a Neuer injury, BVB's very own Mats Hummels had an outstanding game. The same can be said about Jerome Boateng, who kept Ronaldo out of the match for most of the time, two or three shots on target exluded. Manuel Neuer did everything which could be asked of a goalkeeper and proved himself to be in the conversation of the best keeper worldwide by saving Varela's shot outstandingly. The attack didn't click as well as expected especially Podolski couldn't impress. Özil and Khedira also need some more match practice before they perform on a reasonable level again, but it has to be said Portugal was very good on defense themselves. A deflected Schweinsteiger crossing finally ended in Gomez' header and this was enough, Grit and Grind as Tony Allen would call it.
An improved German team, especially on offense, has to step up on Wednesday against the Netherlands. With a win Holland's out and Die Mannschaft will advance to the quarter-finals. How awesome would that be??
Best Players: Hummels, Neuer, Boateng.
Goals: 1:0, Gomez 72.
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