[Euro 2008] Germany 2-0 Poland

An emotional Lukas Podolski struck in either half to give Germany an ideal start to their Euro 2008 Group B campaign with victory against debutants Poland in Klagenfurt.

Group B - Matchday 1
GERMANY 2-0 POLAND
Worthersee Stadion, Klagenfurt
Lukas Podolski's double ensured Germany made a winning start to their Euro 2008 campaign against Poland in Klagenfurt. Polish-born Podolski put Germany on the path to a deserved victory when he slid home Miroslav Klose's pass from close range after 20 minutes. Germany were dominant, with Poland keeper Artur Boruc saving brilliantly from Germany captain Michael Ballack. And Podolski added his second with a powerful rising volley that left Boruc helpless with 18 minutes left. It was Germany's first victory in the tournament since they beat the Czech Republic to win Euro 96 at Wembley. And their performance at the Worthersee Stadion, in the first 45 minutes in particular, suggested that Joachim Low's side are in the mood to make amends for previous disappointments this time around.

The Germans can secure qualification with a win against Croatia on Thursday, while Poland will plau co-hosts Austria in a must-win game.

Germany: Lehmann, Lahm, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Jansen, Fritz (Schweinsteiger 55), Frings, Ballack, Podolski, Gomez (Hitzlsperger 75), Klose (Kuranyi 90).
Poland: Boruc, Wasilewski, Zewlakow, Bak, Golanski (Saganowski 75), Dudka, Lewandowski, Lobodzinski (Piszczek 65), Zurawski (Roger 46), Krzynowek, Smolarek.

[Euro 2008 Group B]