GERMANY

Lehmann 6.5 – Looked shaky at times in the first half, and his handling was less than secure. Fumbled a cross in the first 40 seconds that could have led to Kryznowek scoring. However he made a fine stop from Saganowski late on.

Lahm 8 – Neutralised Kryznowek very well, never losing out in a one-on-one battle. The most impressive of the Germany defenders. Also did well offensively.

Metzelder 6 – Looks completely unfit after his long injury absence and will be crucified by a better opponent. Having said this he didn’t do too bad tonight and made one vital interception from a Guerriero cross.

Mertesacker 6.5 – Won everything in the air as would be expected, and was reasonably solid on the floor.

Jansen 5.5 – Struggled really badly against the dangerous Lobodzinski in the first period, but improved after the break.

Fritz 7 – Very lively down the German right. Crossed well and gave his marker Golanski a number of problems. Somewhat surprisingly taken off on 55 minutes.

Frings 7.5 – Was superb in the first 25 minutes, then faded a little, before regaining his dominance in the final 30. A class act when he is on form.

Ballack 7 – Provided a superb through pass for Klose’s early chance, and had some shorts spells of excellence throughout the game. Brought out a superb save from Boruc at 1-0.

Podolski 8.5 – Germany’s best player in the first half, getting behind Golanski at will, and putting his side into the lead. Added a second after the break with a thumping volley into the top corner.

Klose 7 – Wasted a one-on-one chance early on when he tried to pass to Gomez instead of shoot himself. Made up for it soon after by setting up Podolski for the opener. Also involved in the second goal.

Gomez 6 – Excellent pass that started the move for Podolski’s first, but a disappointment thereafter. Missed a good chance at 1-0.

Substitutes

Schweinsteiger 6.5 – Has had a poor season but did relatively well and got behind Golanski, and also had a few shots at goal.

Hitzlsperger 6 – Only had 15 minutes to make an impact, and helped close out the game.

Kuranyi N.A – Only on the field for a matter of seconds.


POLAND

Boruc 7 – Offered little protection from the defence in front of him, and could do nothing on either goal. Made one stunning stop from Ballack at 1-0. Undoubtedly a top-class keeper.

Wasilewski 5.5 – Could not cope with Podolski in the first half, although he improved after the break.

Bak 5 – The 35-year-old showed all of his advancing years tonight. His lack of pace was a real problem, and his command of the defensive line was also non-existent.

Zewlakow 5 – Almost identical assessment to his centre back partner Bak. Pushed up suicidally when Germany scored their first goal.

Golanski 4.5 – The fourth and final member of the Marx brothers. His mistake prior to Podolski’s second was of Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zippo proportions.

Dudka 6.5 – Neat and tidy in the middle of the park, and held his own for spells, but no cutting edge to his game.

Lewandowski 7 – Did well in the centre of midfield. Distributed the ball, and also got forward well, firing in a number of long-range shots.

Lobodzinski 7 – Caused havoc down the right in the first half, beating his marker Jansen on a number of occasions. Also forced a fine save out of Lehmann. Faded after the break and was substituted.

Zurawski 5.5 – Never really got into the match, and missed a fine chance, scuffing the ball wide when well placed. Subbed at half time.

Kryznowek 6 – Gave his all as usual, but got little change down the flank against Lahm. Had more success when he cut inside, and had a few half chances, one coming in the first 40 seconds.

Smolarek 5.5 – A disappointment. Would have been expected to cause the Germany centre backs some problems but it never really happened for him.

Substitutes

Guerreiro 7 – Gave the Poles a lift after his introduction at half time, showing some Brazilian-like touches.

Piszczek 6 – Never got into the game after replacing the impressive Lobodzinski.

Saganowski 6 – Almost grabbed a consolation at the end but was denied by a fine Lehmann save.


Original analysist from goal.com