Poles sink Poland

Germany 2 : 0 Poland
Striker Podolski was by far the best player on the field scoring a tap in after 20 minutes and then volleyed home the second 20 minutes from time after an ungamely assist from Klose. The irony of the match is that Podolski and Klose, the provider for both goals, were both born in Poland. So not only did Poland lose the match, they will be kicking themselves for losing these talented strikers to their neighbours.

Analysis:
The German Stronghold
Although the scoreline was one-sided, the game was really in the balance until Podoski got his second. Poland threatened the German goal constantly and at certain points looked likely to equalise. However the Germans were more ruthless in execution and did what mattered.
However, Low, the German manager has a lot to worry about regarding their defense which looked at times vulnerable and uncertain; with the exception of Lahm who yet again proved why he is one of the most coveted full backs in Europe. The other 3 seemed unco-ordinated and indecisive at times and could fall victim to more potent attackers come the knockout rounds.

The German Front
The German team overall has not changed much since their 'successful' outing at the last World Cup with pretty much the same people occupying the positions. The make shift wide players are still found wanting and the German attacks still rely too heavily on central attacks (i.e. both goals). Schweinsteiger is the only player that can really cause some damage out wide but he is tend to be playing more central than not.

Centre Lane
The main concern with playing down the middle is that it is often hard for a team to break down stubborn defenses. Not many teams can play down the center as it requires players to be exceptional in positioning and technical-wise as they are constantly man marked by opposition. However Germans are renowned for producing players of great tactical awareness, this means that the central option is available and the best considering the players Low has access to. Last WC they played exceptionally well until they faced Italy when they were up against a stubborn but skilled defense line up this was because their central route had been totally cut and were forced wide by the Italians. This nearly worked for the Argentinians but they were undone by a Klose trademark header that surprisingly was a result of wide German play (from a throw in).

Bets are that Germany will still maintain the flow down the middle as they strength is there and with a bit of luck like they had with the second goal they might progress further and for the neutrals to the final for a real spectacle.