by Tolu Odeneye
Group C
Poland (1) vs Northern Ireland (0)
While all eyes were on Lewandowski, it was Milik and Krychowiak that took centre stage as NI were finally opened up after a very defensive performance in the first half. The goal came from Milik in the 51st minute and was set up by Blaszczykowski. Milik also had a fine opportunity to make it 1-0 early in the first half. The Polish were wasteful with 18 attempts, 4 on target; Michael McGovern – Northern Ireland’s Goalkeeper only made 3 saves in the match and conceded one goal. Northern Ireland stopped Lewandowski but they were always too deep and found it hard to switch mentality from defense to attack.
Supporting Points
• Bartosz Kaputska is a very exciting young player and showed flashes of brilliance in the game, creating 2 chances.
• The Northern Irish did not have a single touch in Poland’s half in the first half.
Germany (2) vs Ukraine (0)
The Ukrainians started well by playing to their strengths and using their wingers. By half time, they had 5 attempts at Germany’s goal forcing 2 saves from Neuer and a goal line clearance from Jerome Boateng in the 34th minute. In the midst of their good work, Mustafi headed in a Toni Kroos free kick in the 19th minute. The second half was much different, Ukraine were restricted to 2 attempts on goal and the Germans were in “Kroos control”. It was not until the 92nd minute that the Germans reaped their just rewards. The substitute – Schweinsteiger half –volleyed Mesut
Ozil’s inch perfect cross to seal the game.
Supporting Points
• Germany will be very dangerous from dead ball situations.
• Ukraine limited Mesut Ozil in the first half by playing their central midfielders deep in front of the
back 4, however that gave Kroos the space to influence the game.
• Mesut Ozil formally known as the creative director of European football had a normal game, registering an assist in the 92nd minute.
• Ukraine had high quality chances; they put pressure on the German defence forcing them to make individual errors.