Having gotten over the shock of seeing a match referee who seemed to resemble me both in facial features and body shape, I settled down to watch the clash between old enemies which had been preceded by some crowd trouble between the two sets of fans last night.
Defensive disarray and a commanding performance by the German team saw Poland rocking on their heels for the first 20 minutes. Their defensive line was breached a number of times and it was ironic that the two players who combined for the opening goal Germany, Klose and Podolski were born in Poland but moved to Germany when very young and now represent their adoptive country.
The most disappointing aspect for me is the constant sniping by the commentators concerning the apparent inconsistencies in the application of law, particularly relating to simulation. Perhaps they haven't considered that the referees haven't been deceived by the players who fall with style in an attempt to win free kicks for their sides??? Personally I noted Boruc the Polish goalkeeper wearing black undershorts under his silver shirt and shorts while Germany's outfield players were wearing white shirts and black shorts. My twin brother obviously didn't spot this breach of Law 4.
The Polish team came out strongly in the second half and went close on a couple of occasions. It wasn't to be however as first the German captain, Ballack of Chelsea, flashed a shot over, then a hopeful ball towards the edge of the penalty area being defended by Poland wasn't dealt with properly.
The ball ran to Schweinsteiger who passed to Klose. His miscued shot set up a wonderful opportunity to volley, which was gratefully accepted by Podoloski and he scored his and Germany's second goal. A late flashing volley for Podolski was the closest he came to scoring a hat trick and it finished Germany 2-0 Poland.
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