December 27, 2024 08:42 pm (IST)
Germany and Poland draw to end Ukraine's campaign
Saint-Denis, Jun 17 (IBNS): Germany and Poland are locked at the top of Group C after playing out the first goalless draw of UEFA EURO 2016.
For much of the evening, all the key ingredients were there and, amid a frenetic atmosphere, it was simmering along nicely; only that finishing touch was lacking. There was always a sense that there could be a goal at either end – but the defences evidently didn't see it that way.
The best two chances fell to Poland and Arkadiusz Milik. The first came in the opening seconds of the second period when Kamil Grosicki delivered a wonderful cross but the Ajax man, slightly unsighted, could not get enough on his header.
Grosicki was again the provider midway through the half when he found Milik alone on the penalty spot but the No. 7 fluffed his lines once more. How strike partner Robert Lewandowski would have loved such an opening. Instead, his "hunger for goals" (five Poland games now) remained unsatisfied against the pace and physicality of Bayern team-mates Jérôme Boateng and Mats Hummels.
Germany's fluid five-man forward line did not enjoy any more luck at the other end: they rarely found a way past holding midfield Grzegorz Krychowiak, let alone the defence and goalkeeper. Åukasz FabiaÅ„ski was called on to keep out second-half efforts from Mesut Özil and Mario Götze, but little besides.
Man of the match: Jérôme Boateng (Germany)
Credit: UEFA.com
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