In the opening game of Group C, the Polish selection dominated the game from the start against the more passive and cautious Northern Irish. Milik scored the winning goal after submission by Błaszczykowski in the 51st minute of the game. While Poland missed more scoring chances both before and in the following game, the Northern Irish selection could only appear offensively several times in the final phase.
Mustafi scored his first international goal after a Kroos free kick. The first half was marked by numerous opportunities on both sides. While Khedira missed the possible 2-0 in front of Pyatow, Neuer saved his team several times from a goal. Boateng caused a sensation, who prevented an own goal with great commitment. In stoppage time, Schweinsteiger, who had recently been substituted on, made a counterattack to make it 2-0. This made Germany the third reigning world champion after 1976 (also Germany ) and 2000 ( France ), who won their first game at the European championship following the respective world championships with more than one goal difference.
After a game with few goalscoring opportunities, the EM recorded their first goalless draw. The German team hardly succeeded against very defensive standing and waiting for a counterattack to develop goal danger; Milik had the greatest chance of the game for Poland, who did not get the header right after the restart in the six-yard area. Defensively, however, the team convinced completely. Almost every attack by the Poles could be stopped, albeit sometimes only by preventing the conclusion. When a Polish player did get a degree, Neuer was always there.
The German team dominated the game from the start and also managed to develop several good chances, which, however, remained unused until the 30th minute of the game. After the goal, Germany continued to dominate and was almost always in the penalty area for the Northern Irish until the second half. In the second half, the Germans downshifted several gears and were not out in front of McGovern as often, but still dominated the game.
Germany
Poland
Northern Ireland
Ukraine
1-0 Milik (51st)
Kapustka (65th), Piszczek (89th)
