World champs Germany start Euro campaign with victory over Ukraine

Contrary to the expectations, Ukraine seemed big despite having a clinical squad against them. They had a high work rate and boldly went upfront many times in search of a goal. Specifically, Manuel Neuer and AndriyPyatov made the difference for their teams and stood strong at their goal. They made some wonderful saves throughout the match. Neuer saved two very good Ukrainian efforts in the first half while Ukrainian goalkeeper and the defenders produced the same. 

After the Germans played dominant game from the start, in the 19th minute, Toni Kroos placed a perfect free-kick near Mustafi, who took the position well and powerfully headed the ball in. 

Ukraine, thereafter, didn’t sit back and displayed superb football forcing Germany on the back foot. They launched various attacks at the German goal but lacked the accurate finish. Jerome Boateng showed exceptional defending skills as he saved an almost own goal and kicked away the ball from just a little ahead of the goal line. 

By the end of the first half, Ukraine seemed able of netting the ball despite the scoreboard shouting otherwise. Germany began the second half with much fire and kept much possession not letting the Ukrainians take the plunge. They played along the ball going forward and making attempts at the goal.  

The second half saw two good attempts from Sami Khedira which were both saved wonderfully by 

Pyatov. Late in the injury time, Germany went for a superb counter attack where the undying German legs ran hard and Mesut Ozil made the final cross towards Bastian Schweinsteiger, who calmly collected the ball and shot it to the back of the net. 

Manuel Neuer proved to be a hero for Germany as the sweeper goalkeeper made some extremely crucial saves that denied Ukraine the fruit of their tireless efforts. Pyatov did an excellent job for Ukraine and stopped Germany from putting many more balls on the scoreboard. 

Germany now stand atop Group C with 3 points while Ukraine languishes at the bottom. Poland are just behind Germany on the table with the same points but on the basis of goal difference. Germany face Poland on Friday.