Some dogged defending from Poland ensured that they picked up a point against Germany in their second game of Euro 2016, the two teams playing out a 0-0 draw. 

Ahead of the game, it was general to understand that Germany would dominate the possession side of the game a have to try making the most out of the chances they would receive.

Germany’s Jerome Boateng kept very tight with his club mate Robert Lewandowski, who found it hard to make any clear breakthrough against Germany’s defence. Also, the service behind the striker was very limited, due to most of the time being spent defending in their own area.

Poland still managed to create a lot of chances, most were pretty easy to get on target and it’s quite a shock how one attempt was not converted. Striker Arkadiusz Milik had a straight forward chance of giving the side the lead in the first minute of second half, but his his-hit header went off target.

Adam Nawalka mentioned his players were not happy with just the draw. “It just shows our ambition. Every match it looks better and better,” the manager of Poland revealed during an interview.

Consistent threat from Germany

It was a slow start in the first half for Germany, but the pressure piled on during the second half against Poland.

Germany dominated in every area you can think of and it’s a surprise to everyone on how they didn’t manage a single goal in the game. In the second half, midfielder Mesut Ozil’s chipped shot attempt was just about tipped over by keeper Lukas Fabianski.

Thomas Muller’s acute pass fell into the path of Benedikt Hoewedes who had the chance to grab all three points for Germany, but the full-back went on to completing an extra touch and the chance was gone.

Joachim Low spoke about the match and felt his side could have done better. “We created few changes today. We didn’t increase the tempo and then nine of ten Poles were behind the ball.”

Poland’s spine impressive once again

Despite Lewandowski and Milik failing to score against Germany, Poland’s midfield and defence were prepared and organised for every attack that was created by the opponents. With Northern Ireland failing to register a shot on target against Poland, Germany failed to complete a shot against the Polish in the first half.

At the heart of defence, Michal Pazdan and Kamil Glik, were solid and proved hard to beat in a one versus one situation. The partnership has turned the side it one of the best defensive performance during the tournament already.

In the centre of midfield, Grzegorz Krychowiak and Krzysztof Maczynski, have been fantastic up and down the pitch as they make side completely tick. Both players have covered nearly every blade of grass on the pitch against Germany and gave no room for their opponents to roam into.   

Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Sevilla's Grzegorz Krychowiak | Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Guaranteed place in the next round

With the new rule of the most third-place teams have the chance to advance from the group stage, Germany and Poland who are already on four points will most likely confirm their place in the round of 16.

Both sides still have one more game to play before the group stage is over, Germany will face Northern Ireland whilst Poland will go up against Ukraine

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