Match Number: 803 Date: 08-June-2008 Location: Klagenfurt, Austris Competition: Euro 2008 GERMANY: Lehmann Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Jansen Fritz (55. Schweinsteiger), Ballack, Frings, Podolski Klose (90. Kuranyi), Gomez (75. Hitzlsperger) POLAND: Boruc Wasilewski, Zewlakow, Bak, Golanski (75. Saganowski/) Lobodzinski (65. Piszczek), Lewandowski, Dudka, Krzynowek Smolarek, Zurawski (46. Guerreiro) Scoring: 1:0 Podolski (20.) 2:0 Podolski (72.) Referee: Övrebö (Norway) Yellow cards: Schweinsteiger - Smolarek, Lewandowski Attendance: 30,000 (sold-out)Germany defeated Poland 2-0 in Klagenfurt, Austria to start off the Euro 2008 tournament in decent fashion. The match was played at a furious pace in the 1st half, unlike the other snoozers from the tournament so far. Germany was clearly the better team, but Poland had their moments. DFB coach Joachim Löw gambled by placing Lukas Podolski in midfield, pairing Mario Gomez up front with Miroslav Klose. His experiment worked nicely, as the Klose/Gomez combo caused problems for Poland, and Podolski was dangerous coming out of midfield. And of course, "Prinz Poldi" scored both goals, and almost ended up with a hattrick. GK Jens Lehmann continued in his inconsistent fashion, sucking at times, but coming up with some good stops as well. The defense remains a concern however, as the Poles took advantage of several lame defensive efforts, especially in the middle, where Mertesacker and Metzelder failed to impress.
As for the Poles, they had some moments, especially in the 2nd half, when they had some sustained pressure. But overall, they had traouble coping with the German combination passing, and especially play down the wings.