The goal was Schweinsteiger’s first at global level since October 2011 and it secured Germany’s 2-0 win, after Valencia defender Shkodran Mustafi had scored with a header midway through the first half.
Advertisement
However, instead of sitting back and relaxing, Germany coach Joachim Loew had to wait until stoppage time for his team to secure victory when Schweinsteiger netted just minutes after coming on as a substitute. But we found a solution in the second half and that’s why I’m quite satisfied.
Germany killed the game off in the final minute as Ozil burst down the left and whipped in a cross for Schweinsteiger to hammer home.
“It’s normal that there’s a phase when you’re not so in control”, Kroos said. Germany were unforgiving in the early stages and Kroos’ quick ball over the top to Sami Khedira might have yielded another goal had Pyatov not been equal to the shot.
But there was still time for Schweinsteiger to come on and complete a dream return after a season wracked by injury.
In the beginning of the second half, two long distance shots from Kroos and Khedira were saved by Ukraine goalkeeper, which did not allow Germany to extend the lead. We haven’t shown yet everything that we have to show. Obviously we have a lot of players out injured but I think the players who did play did a very good job.
Ukraine had a mighty mountain to climb even being down just one goal against Germany and Manuel Neuer, who erased any chances that his side’s well-organized defense failed to prevent.
“Basti was class when he came on and made the goal”, said Neuer.
The day’s earlier matches both ended in 1-0 victories, with a wonder strike from Luka Modric seeing Croatia past Turkey in a bruising encounter and Arkadiusz Milik scoring for Poland against Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland’s defender Jonny Evans (L) vies with Poland’s midfielder Jakub Blaszczykows …
WORLD champion Germany got off to a winning start in a quest for a record fourth European Championships.
Ukraine, who were only competing at their second European Championship after joint-hosting the tournament four years ago, reached Euro 2016 through the play-offs but did not look out of their depth against a team they have never faced at a major tournament.
Mesut Ozil of Germany warms up before the Euro 2016 Group C soccer match between Germany and Ukraine in Lille, France, June 12, 2016.
“The players here play at European level for their clubs and are competing for the highest targets”.
Advertisement
“The first game is extremely important and it will determine our run in this tournament”, attacking midfielder Julian Draxler said.
