Germany grateful for Gomez
Stubborn Portugal undone by striker’s predatory instincts
Last updated: 9th June 2012 Subscribe to RSS Feed
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Goal machine Mario Gomez further underlined why he will be such a threat at Euro 2012 as his second-half header earned Germany a forgettable 1-0 win over Portugal in Lviv.
The Bayern Munich striker scored 38 times in all competitions for his club in 2011/12 and his country will be mightily glad he has brought his predatory instincts to Poland and Ukraine.
Gomez may have been missing his golden touch in the UEFA Champions League final defeat by Chelsea, but his excellent 72nd minute header showed he still has what it takes and it was enough to ensure Germany started with a win.
Joachim Low’s finalists from four years ago are considered among the favourites to dethrone Spain this summer and although they were not at their best against a stubborn Portugal, an opening three points was essential.
Having watched Holland suffer a shock defeat by Denmark in Group B’s first game, Germany now know after just one match they are already well placed to progress to the knockout stages
