Day 6: Germany vs. Poland

Germany 1 -- Poland 0

#10 OLIVER NEUVILLE (Germany) 91+

Rewind to June 15th, 2002, Germany playing Paraguay in the Round of Sixteen, two minutes from the death and Oli Neuville strikes home the winner to the take game away from Paraguay as Schneider launched a precise cross from the right wing. The South Americans felt robbed and rightly so they held the upperhand up until the last moment. Fastforward now to exactly four years and one day less from that fateful day and Germany playing Poland and are being held to a nothing - nothing draw until Oli Neuville comes on as a sub and nets one in a very similar way as he had took the game away from Paraguay. David Odonkor's cross from the right wing found a sliding Neuville who guided the ball into the back of the net to rob once again .

This game was a high charged affair as bad blood, old rivalries and bitter memories lingered and Poland came out giving it their all. Although they barely got chances, save a few here and there, but their real hero was Artur Boruc, who kept their Bavarian brothers at bay with some breathtaking saves. The Germans have none to blame for not scoring more other than themselves as they had clear opportunites that went begging to be netted, but alas twas not the Germans' day, though they might have come up on top, Poland gave a good performance but have nothing to show for it on the points table. The Germans must take heart in many performances today, despite the fact that returning skipper Michaelt Ballack had a very pedestrian game, but performances from David Odonkor, Oli Neuville, and most notably Philipp Lahm must give them some hope and belief in their bench. I think the Germans are getting warmed up and hope to see them peak in the 2nd round, till then see you soon!