Germany 2 Ukraine 0: Mesut Ozil assists Bastian Schweinsteiger as world champions earn Euro 2016 win

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James Benge12 June 2016

World champions Germany had centre-backs Jerome Boateng and Shkodran Mustafi to thank as they got their Euros off to a comfortable if unconvincing start with a 2-0 victory over Ukraine.

An early header from Mustafi seemed to set Joachim Low’s side on course for a commanding victory but for all their possession sights at goal were limited for the world champions, though Bastian Schweinsteiger added gloss with a late goal courtesy of a Mesut Ozil assist.

The opening moments of the game saw Germany start their championships in formidable form, Kroos pulling the strings from deep, Mario Gotze flitting around menacingly and Thomas Muller seemingly magnetised to the ball in the area.

Within 18 minutes the world champions’ dominance had told, Mustafi rising high to power in a header from a well-taken Kroos free-kick. Germany looked menacing, Sami Khedira ought to have doubled the lead after a wonderful 40 yard pass from Kroos landed on his toes, only to volley straight at Pyatov.

Ukraine were cowed until they started targeting the full-backs, Germany’s weak link, with their strong suits Yehven Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko. On two occasions it nearly told.

Manuel Neuer was caught in a muddle, trapped in no-man’s land, as Konoplyanka scuffed a close range effort towards goal. With the ball millimetres from crossing the line Boateng hacked it away and Hawkeye earned their money for goal-line technology.

Moments later the ball did cross the line, but the flag was up for offside. It was an impressive spot from linesman Michael Mullarkey amid a tangle of bodies. Though Ukraine were spurred on in the closing minutes of the first half it seemed their moment had passed.

A stale second half saw Germany monopolise possession but a more rigid Ukrainian backline held firm, limiting the likes of Muller and Khedira to long-range sighters.

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