Germany wins in typical efficient manner

World champions Germany opened their Euro 2016 campaign with an efficient 2-0 over Ukraine in Group C. In truth Joachim Low’s side were not at their best in Lille, but managed to get the job done with goals from Shkodran Mustafi in the first half and veteran midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger in stoppage-time.

The world champions had experienced mixed results in friendlies and there were question marks over whether they were good enough to win Euro 2016, despite heading to France as one of the favourites to be crowned champions.

For much of the game Germany looked comfortable, even without regular first choice centre-back Mats Hummels, who was deputised by Mustafi. Shortly before half-time Manuel Neuer’s goal looked in danger, as Jerome Boateng did superbly to clear Yevhen Konoplyanka’s effort off his goal line.

While Germany did show some vulnerability in defence, in the end they won the game in a relatively comfortable manner. One player who impressed for Die Mannschaft was Real Madrid playmaker Toni Kroos, who despite shielding the defence was at his creative best from a deep-lying position that he occupies for his club side.

The former-Bayern Munich star touched the ball 130 times and was the brains behind Germany’s win. Kroos could be a key to Low’s side’s chances of success in France.

Germany have made a solid start to their campaign and Die Mannschaft will be expected to top the group with games against Poland and Northern Ireland to come. Joachim Low’s side may have been written-off by some, but they certainly have the quality to go on and win the tournament.