In Euro 2016’s Group C, world champion Germany took on neighboring Poland on Thursday. The Germans needed a win to secure their spot in the knock-out stage, and considering they had only lost once to the Poles in major competition, they seemed like a good bet to advance.
PARIS, June 17, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Robert Lewandowski of Poland competes during the Euro 2016 Group C soccer match between Germany and Poland in Paris, France, June 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Guo Yong)
But this match would be anything but major competition as it proved to be a lackluster affair.
Germany had chance in the opening 5 minutes, but Mario Gotze’s header was off the mark. Jonas Hector had a go from 25 yards out moments later, but he could not find the target.
Arkaduisz Milik had a couple of chances on right after the restart, but the Pole was unable to score, missing a glorious opportunity right after the break, as it remains scoreless.
Mesut Ozil had a Grade A chance in the 70th minute only to see Lukas Fabianski to stop it.
The teams play to a lackluster nil-nil draw, the first scoreless game of the tournament.
PARIS, June 17, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Julian Draxler(R) of Germany competes during the Euro 2016 Group C soccer match between Germany and Poland in Paris, France, June 16, 2016. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)