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The second match in Group A was played by the host country Germany and the Polish national team. In a hard-fought and beautiful game, the Germans snatched victory in added time.
In the second half, after removing Polish defender Radoslaw Sobolewski from the field, the Germans almost entirely controlled the ball and besieged the opponents' goal. Despite the efforts of the Polish team to withstand the attacks, in the closing moments of the match, the hosts scored a goal and secured the win.
Signal Iduna Park stadium, Dortmund, 65,000 spectators Referee: Luis Medina Cantalejo (Spain) Germany 1 - 0 Poland 90+1' [1 - 0] Oliver Neuville
Germany: Lehmann; Friedrich (64' Odonkor), Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm; Schweinsteiger (76' Borowski), Ballack, Frings, Schneider; Podolski (71' Neuville), Klose.
Poland: Boruc; Bosacki, Baszczynski, Bak, Zewlakow (83' Dudka), Sobolewski; Krzynowek (77' Lewandowski), Jelen (90' Brozek), Radomski; Zurawski, Smolarek
Both teams aimed to earn points in this match. Poland needed at least a draw to keep their hopes of advancing to the next stage alive, while Germany sought to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
The match started actively, with the Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo showing a yellow card to Jacek Kryznowek for a rough foul on Bernd Schneider in the third minute. The Polish team defended actively and robustly, not shying away from making fouls.
Germany had no intention of giving up the initiative to the opponents. A precise pass from Michael Ballack set up Miroslav Klose in a good position, but he failed to score. In the 21st minute, the Germans had another chance to break through, but Klose once again missed the target.
The Polish team played much better than in their match against Ecuador, creating more dangerous attacks in the first half than in the entire previous game. German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was tested by a good shot from Ireneusz Jelen. However, Lehmann had a much better performance in this match than in the first one, thwarting all of Poland's attacks.
In the second half, the Germans maintained their initiative, but initially failed to create anything particularly dangerous near the opponents' goal. Team captain Michael Ballack received a yellow card.
Early in the second half, Poland was rescued by their goalkeeper Arturas Borucas, who had been solid throughout the game. They stuck to their playing style and tried to counterattack when the opportunity presented itself. However, their plans were disrupted by a red card they received.
With a little over 15 minutes left in the match, Polish defender Sobolewski received a second yellow card for a foul on Miroslav Klose and was sent off. From that moment on, the Poles retreated to their own half, conceding complete initiative to the opponents.
The Germans launched attack after attack on the opponents' goal. Despite brave defending and good luck, the Polish players could not organize a successful counterattack. Time and time again, Borucas saved the day for Poland.
In the final minutes, the Germans had two excellent opportunities to score. Miroslav Klose's headed shot was saved by the Polish goalkeeper, and Michael Ballack's attempt hit the crossbar.
When it seemed like Poland might secure a point in the match, Germany finally broke through the defense. Substitute David Odonkor crossed the ball from the right flank, and Oliver Neuville smashed it past Arturas Boruc.
In a fierce and beautiful match, Poland managed to hold on almost until the end, but in the end, the Germans broke down the sacrificing Polish players and earned a hard-fought and deserved victory.
