Euro 2016 – What We Learned – Germany 2 Ukraine 0

Euro 2016 – What We Learned – Germany 2 Ukraine 0

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Germany’s quest for the Euro 2016 trophy got off to the perfect start with a strong 2-0 win against Ukraine in Lille.

The Germans opened the scoring through Shkodran Mustafi, as the defender headed home from a well delivered Toni Kroos free kick. Ukraine did have chances to equalise in the first half, but were denied by some good saves by Manuel Neuer and a goal-line clearance by Jerome Boateng.

The reigning world champions upped their intensity in the second half, but were made to wait until the final minutes for the game-sealing goal. Substitute Bastian Schweinsteiger, making his first appearance on a football pitch in over two months, finished a clinical counter-attack send his side top of the group on goal difference.

Germany’s defence just as important going forward

Led by the likes of Jerome Boateng and Manuel Neuer, the Germans proved they will be tough to break down during this tournament, but if you persist you will get your chances. Neuer made a number of strong saves and Boateng’s performance included a goal-line clearance to underline their importance to the side. However, going forward Joachim Low’s back four were just as important the midfielders.

Shkodran Mustafi, filling in for Mats Hummels, ensured that Low will have a tough choice to make when the new Bayern Munich signing is deemed fit to return with a fine header to open the scoring. Bayern Munich’s Boateng looked to get the ball moving forward on every occasion, showing a high quality of passing ability as the game went on spraying balls to all parts of the pitch. Fullbacks Jonas Hector and Benedikt Howedes also got forward at every occasion, making a nuisance of themselves for the Ukrainian defence.

Ukraine rue missed opportunities

Despite being happy to concede possession to the reigning World champions throughout the match, the Ukrainians did not fail to create chances of their own, especially late in the first half. The Synyo-Zhovti had a goal correctly ruled out for offside, but star men Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka began to work their way into the game. Konoplyanka will be disappointed not to have found the back of the net for his side after a lovely dinked ball from Yarmolenko, whose delivery from corners also created problems for the German defence.

READ MORE: Euro 2016 Hub

However, the second half was a different story, as the Germans once again dominated possession but the Ukrainians were unable to produce the quality of chances that they had done so in the first half, barring a late flurry of half-chances as they pushed forward for a potential equaliser.

Manuel Neuer shows his quality

He isn’t the best in the world for nothing, with the Bayern Munich goalkeeper making a number of key saves in the victory. The German skipper made a top quality save as he denied Konoplyanka’s shot which was heading for the top corner early in the first half. He followed this up with a great reaction save from a Ukrainian corner, showing his ability to make decisions quickly by electing not to come for the ball after initially moving off his line.

Throughout the match Neuer showed a good understanding with his back four, as they easily played the ball out from the back and in between one another. A lone blip on his radar was a slight miscommunication with Shkrodan Mustafi, creating a chance for Yevhen Seleznyov but the Ukranian striker could not take advantage. The German attack was not operating at its full potential, but Neuer’s performance between the sticks ensured that it was a comfortable win in the end for Jogi Low’s side.

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