Clinical Germany begin Euro campaign with 2-0 win over Ukraine

Jun 13, 2016 at 12:10 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Clinical Germany begin Euro campaign with 2-0 win over Ukraine

Lille (France), June 13 (IANS) Goals on either half by Shkodran Mustafi and Bastian Schweinsteiger assisted world champions Germany to a 2-0 win over Ukraine in their Group C opener at Euro 2016 in their bid for a record fourth European crown.

The Germans enjoyed greater ball possession from the start. They lead 1-0 at halftime at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

It was the sixth meeting between the two sides with Ukraine never having won once. But they could not carve open a disciplined Ukrainian defence easily who were not overawed by the occasion or at the prospect of facing the world champions.

It was clear they were not going to go down without putting up a fight. Germany went ahead in the 19th minute. Shkodran Mustafi’s perfectly timed header gave them the 1-0 halftime lead.

It was his first international goal. Mustafi beat his marker and towered above everyone else to meet Toni Kroos’ curling free kick from the right just outside the penalty area.

His powerful header went in the top left corner of the net.

Ukraine were not bogged down after conceding and despite Germany’s superiority, they had chances of their own. German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made two crucial saves.

He first stopped Yevhen Konoplyanka with a dive towards his left and then tipped over Yevhen Khacheridi’s effort from close range. Defender Jerome Boateng cleared a goal-bound ball off the line. Ukraine had a goal ruled out for offside in the closing stages of the first half.

The second half was similar to the first half with both teams fighting neck and neck. They created chances but could not finish them off as it moved towards the end seemingly to end at 1-0.

But in the final seconds, Schweinsteiger latched on to a pinpoint Mesut Ozil pass, of a swift counter-attack, to put the result beyond doubt.

Related Article
Sportzwiki Year Review: Top Ten 2016 Encounters That Stunned The Football World
Sportzwiki Year Review: Top Ten 2016 Encounters That Stunned The Football World

Dec 24, 2016, 6:58 PM


Rooney defends decision on corners during Euro Cup
Rooney defends decision on corners during Euro Cup

Aug 31, 2016, 3:20 PM


Football fever is over, but Euro 2016 hangover persists
Football fever is over, but Euro 2016 hangover persists

Jul 15, 2016, 9:47 AM


Goa celebrates Portugal’s Euro win, but with a rider
Goa celebrates Portugal’s Euro win, but with a rider

Jul 12, 2016, 8:49 AM


Thousands of fans welcome Portugal team at Lisbon airport
Thousands of fans welcome Portugal team at Lisbon airport

Jul 12, 2016, 7:05 AM


Portugal’s European Championship title has impact of 609 million euros
Portugal’s European Championship title has impact of 609 million euros

Jul 12, 2016, 6:13 AM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner