Poland and Germany continued their respective Euro 2016 qualification campaigns with a meeting in Warsaw this evening.
Germany enjoyed the better of the first period, but neither side could break the deadlock in the first half of the Group D clash.
The home side led early in the second period, however, when Arkadiusz Milik headed home from close range, before Sebastian Mila made it 2-0 late on.
Incredibly, the victory was Poland's first against Germany on what was their 19th attempt.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's Euro 2016 qualification coverage continues from Warsaw as Poland welcome Germany. Both sides started their respective Group D campaigns with wins and will be keen to make it six points from a possible six this evening. First and foremost, let me bring you up-to-date with the all-important team news, which has filtered through.
TEAMS
POLAND: Szczesny; Szukala, Jodlowiec, Wawrzyniak, Gilk, Piszczek; Krychowiak, Grosicki. Rybus: Milik, Lewandowski
GERMANY: Neuer; Durm, Hummels, Boateng, Rudiger; Kroos, Kramer; Bellarabi, Gotze, Schurrle; Muller
So there we have it. As expected, Robert Lewandowki skippers the Poland team this evening, while there is also a start in attack for Ajax forward Arkadiusz Milik. Maciej Rybus and Kamil Grosicki are also included in a team that has plenty of experience at this level of football. Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, meanwhile, starts between the sticks for the home side.
There is some interesting news in the Germany team this evening, meanwhile, with Bayer Leverkusen's Karim Bellarabi handed his debut for the world champions. Antonio Rudiger also makes just his third appearance for his national team, but there are familiar faces in the shape of Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and Toni Kroos. Manuel Neuer will captain the team from the goalkeeping position.
Poland versus Germany is one of the rivalries of European football, but it is a fixture that has been dominated by Germany. In fact, Poland are still looking for their maiden win against their neighbours. In total, the two nations have met on 18 occasions, with Germany winning 12 and the further six matches ending in a share of the spoils. That really is some record!
What's more, Poland have scored just once in their last six competitive meetings with Germany and West Germany, losing four times in the process. The pair last met in May of this year, where the points were shared in a goalless friendly draw, but this match will be a different challenge entirely.
The last time that the two sides met in a competitive match was in the group stage of EURO 2008, when Germany were 2-0 winners. Their scorer? Polish-born Lukas Podolski. They also met in the group stages of the 2006 World Cup and again Germany came out on top with a 1-0 win in Dortmund.
From 1960 until 2004, Poland failed to qualify for the European Championships, but they made the competition in both 2008 and 2012. Both tournaments were disappointing, however, as they failed to progress through the group stages. In fact, they have never won a match at the finals of a European Championship. Will they have the chance to put that right in 2016?
They started Group D in impressive fashion, thumping Gibraltar 7-0 to top the group after one match. Germany will be expected to progress to the finals as winners of this section, but Republic of Ireland and Scotland will both be hoping to challenge Poland for second place in this fascinating group.
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Following this match, Poland welcome Scotland on Tuesday, before returning to action next month away to Georgia. They will hope to be around the top of the table by the time that they travel to Republic of Ireland next month. A positive result this evening would give them a brilliant platform.
That said, they are coming up against the world champions Germany, who won their fourth World Cup this summer by beating Argentina in Brazil. Their success made them the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil and they are among the favourites to triumph in Euro 2016.
They reached the semi-finals of the competition in 2012 and also finished runners-up in 2008. They have not won the European Championship since 1996, however, when they famously triumphed in England. In total, they have won this competition on three occasions – 1972, 1980 and 1996.
As mentioned, Germany beat Scotland 2-1 in their opening group match last month, but it was far from straight-forward. That victory meant that Germany are unbeaten in 18 competitive internationals, while they have not lost in 33 qualifiers since a 3-0 home defeat to Czech Republic in October 2007.
Germany's last away defeat in a qualifying match, meanwhile, was all the way back in June 2000, when they suffered a 3-0 loss in Portugal. Following this fixture, Germany host Republic of Ireland, before returning to Group D action at home to Gibraltar next month.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The national anthems are well underway inside this wonderful stadium. It must be said that the atmosphere is just sensational this evening. This match has all the makings of a classic. Let's hope that it produces!
You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be vital this evening. Both sides have key players missing this evening, but there is still so much talent on the field. It is the old rivalry - can Poland triumph? The home side get the first 45 minutes of action underway.
Just a reminder that Poland have never beaten Germany - will this be the night? It has been a fast start from the home side, with Lewandowski immediately gaining possession outside the German box. Hummels, however, is across to clear. Germany break moments later, but Wawrzyniak brings Bellarabi to the ground with a fairly poor challenge, but it does not bring a booking.
Good possession for Germany in the last couple of minutes, with Kroos and Kramer both enjoying touches in the middle of the park. Boateng switches one to Durm, who delivers into the Poland box, but Muller cannot fashion an attempt on goal. Fast start from both sides in Poland.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last minute or two, with both sides guilty of losing possession in the middle of the park. Germany have a half-chance as Bellarabi attempts to combine with Gotze inside the Poland box, but the latter cannot collect. Down the other end, Grosicki lost possession to Hummels following a mazy run in the final third. Still goalless with six minutes on the clock here.
Poland continue to threaten in the wide areas as Glik delivers a pass towards Rybus, who attempts to round Durm, but the defender stands strong down the left. Germany again attempt to break with Kramer, but the midfielder cannot find Muller. Still no real chances for either side thus far.
Muller is not happy as the German takes an arm in the face from Glik, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. I have seen penalties given for those. It was strange from the Polish defender. The opening 10 minutes have just flown past, but no real opportunities to speak of in Poland.
Half-chance for Germany as Muller finds some space outside the box before striking on goal, but Szczesny always had it covered.
Good spell for Poland in the last couple of moments, with the home side enjoying possession deep in the German half. Rybus attempts to deliver towards the German box, but Hummels is on hand to clear. Another cross comes in from Milik moments later, but Neuer comes out to claim with ease.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments, with the referee on hand to stop the play following a number of late challenges. We are still waiting for the first real chance, with Muller's attempt from distance the only shot on target in the opening 16 minutes of this contest.
Lewandowski wants a penalty as the Pole goes down under pressure from Rudiger in the German box, but the referee is not interested. Moments later, Germany have a free kick just outside the Poland box when Gotze is brought to the ground by Jodlowiec...
... CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Germany as Kroos finds the head of Hummels from the resulting free kick, but Glik is on hand to make a brilliant block. Germany threaten from the resulting corner, but eventually the danger is cleared following a period of pressure.
BOOKING! Szukala goes into the book for Poland for a late challenge on Muller.
Germany are in control of the possession with 22 minutes on the clock, but clear chances have been few and far between. It must be said that Poland have offered very little in the final third thus far. However, with Lewandowski, they will always have a chance of finding the back of the net.
Kroos tries his luck for Germany after finding some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Germany are just starting to penetrate in the final third, with Muller and Gotze enjoying more of the ball in dangerous positions.
BOOKING! Boateng is booked for Germany following a late challenge on Krychowiak.
The untidy period of the match continues, with both sides guilty of committing fouls in the middle of the park. There have been just two bookings thus far, but there could have been more. Neither side is really taking the initiative at the moment, with the scores still level after 26 minutes of action.
Half-chance for Germany as Muller finds some space down the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the box, but there are no takers, with Poland restarting the play with a throw. Lewandowski attempts to collect a through pass from Glik moments later, but Hummels is across to clear once more.
Another shooting chance for Germany as Durm meets a loose ball on the edge of the box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. That has been the story of the match thus far, with the majority of chances coming from distance. Still goalless in this Group D clash in Poland.
Poland just cannot get out of their own half at the moment, with Bellarabi threatening in a wide position for the away side. The winger delivers towards Muller, but Glik is on hand to make a fine clearance. Moments later, a shot from Boateng falls to Muller in the Poland box, but the forward can only divert his effort into the arms of the Polish goalkeeper. Much better from Germany in the latter stages of the half.
Glik again saves the home side as the defender moves in front of Gotze, who had threatened to meet a low cross from Bellarabi. Poland continue to threaten on the counter attack, but their choice of pass in the final third has been poor. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Poland.
Again Gotze is involved for Germany as the Bayern attacker turns inside the Poland box before attempting to rattle one towards the bottom corner, but Szukala is on hand to make the block. Poland just cannot seem to find the right pass in the final third, meanwhile, as another attack quickly breaks down.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Germany as Gotze finds Bellarabi at the far post with a brilliant cross, but the winger's effort just rolls wide of the post. It would have been a debut goal for the Leverkusen attacker, who has been very bright for the world champions thus far.
CHANCE! Another big chance for Germany as Schurrle delivers a fine pass into Muller, who drives into the Poland box, but his final effort is just wide of the post. It should have been better from the Bayern attacker. it is all Germany at the moment with 40 minutes on the clock.
Poland are under serious pressure at the moment as the world champions continue to threaten in wide areas, with Muller threatening to meet another cross from Rudiger. Bellarabi drives into the Poland box moments later, but the Leverkusen attacker had just been flagged offside. It was very, very close.
Another half-chance for Germany and indeed for Muller as the Bayern attacker meets a cross from Schurrle, but his header is high and wide.
CHANCE! Bellarabi again threatens for Germany after finding space inside the Poland box before cutting inside and firing towards the bottom corner, but once more Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper is on hand to make the save. How are Germany not ahead here?!
Hummels is next to come close for Germany following a period of pinball inside the Poland box, but he fires high and wide of the crossbar. Poland appear to have weathered the storm in the latter stages of this half as the referee prepares to blow his whistle.
HALF-TIME: Poland 0-0 Germany
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end, with the two sides level at 0-0. In truth, it has been a half dominated by Germany. Not just in terms of possession, but indeed chances created, with the away side creating a number of strong opportunities in the latter stages of the half.
STATS! Germany have dominated the possession with 60%, while they have had 10 attempts, three of which have been on target. Poland, however, have managed just one attempt off target thus far. There have also been some fiery challenges, with the referee issuing two bookings.
BENCH WATCH! The home side have a number of attacking options on their bench this evening in the shape of Teodorczyk, Zyro, Mila and Olkowski. Meanwhile, Germany have the likes of Draxler, Kruse, Podolski and Rudy on their eight-man bench. Both managers have talent on the sidelines.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. Can Poland weather the storm? They really need a sustained period of pressure, but Germany have had most of the ball in forward positions thus far. It is the away side that get the second period underway in Poland.
No changes from either side at the interval, which is not too surprising. However, I suspect that both managers will consider alterations if the score remains level for the next 20 minutes or so. In truth, Germany should win this second period. They were much the better team in the first half of action.
Not too much to report in terms of attacking pressure in the early stages of the second period, with both sides losing possession too easily in the final third. You just get the feeling that one goal could be enough to decide this match. Kramer has returned to the field following a period of treatment on his back.
GOAL! Poland 1-0 Germany (Milik)
First blood Poland! The home side lead with 51 minutes on the clock as Piszczek delivers a brilliant cross onto the head of Milik, who beats Neuer to the ball and drops his effort into the back of the net. This crowd has just gone absolutely crackers and why not? Can Germany respond? They certainly have the time.
Germany attempt to respond as Gotze finds some space in the Poland box before driving one towards the bottom corner, but Szczesny is on hand to make another bright save. The chance came about following brilliant work from Bellarabi, who has been really bright on his debut.
Just a reminder that Poland have never beaten Germany, with their record in 18 matches reading drawn six and lost 12. The away side continue to threaten as Schurrle drives into the box before curling one towards the far corner, but once again Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper makes the save. It is all happening!
BOOKING! Lewandowki is booked for a late challenge on Bayern teammate Neuer.
Little over 30 minutes of this contest remaining and the home side lead courtesy of that header from Milik. However, you just get the feeling that the visitors will continue to cause problems with the amount of possession they are enjoying. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this match.
Germany continue to gain free kicks in forward positions, the latest of which is delivered by Kroos, but Szczesny is on hand to punch clear. Gotze dances into the Poland box moments later, but the Bayern attacker falls and the referee is not interested in awarding a penalty. The tension is just incredible here.
Tensions continue to rise as both sets of players clash in the middle of the park, with the referee forced to deal with a number of tasty challenges. Schurrle again threatens for the away side after cutting inside his full-back, but his effort is straight at the home side's goalkeeper. Not too much for Poland in the final third.
CHANCE! Yet another chance for Germany as Muller finds Durm inside the Poland box, but his effort is straight into the arms of the Polish goalkeeper. It is attack after attack, but Poland are just about surviving. Surely they will need a second if they are to record all three points here.
Lewandowski is a lucky, lucky boy as the Pole dives into the back of Kramer, having already picked up a yellow card. However, the referee allows the Bayern forward to remain on the field. Moments later, Lewandowski meets a through ball from Glik, but he had just strayed into an offside position.
CHANCE! Another big, big chance for Germany as Muller finds Bellarabi inside the Poland box, but he pokes his effort straight at the goalkeeper. The Leverkusen attacker has had a number of opportunities to score on his debut this evening, but has been unable to take one.
It's sensational work from Grosicki as the midfielder drives from deep inside his own half into the German box, but his final effort is straight into the arms of Neuer. A second goal for the home side would put a different spin on the final 20 minutes or so that is for certain.
SUBS! Poland make their first change of the match as Sobota replaces Grosicki, while Draxler replaces Kramer for Germany.
Still Poland lead with 73 minutes on the clock, but the pressure is not easing from the away side, as Draxler has an effort deflected just wide of the post. The resulting corner is delivered by Kroos, but Hummels can only plant his header wide of the post. Another chance comes and goes for the away side.
Bellarabi continues to threaten in a wide position for Germany as the midfielder delivers another cross into Muller, but once again Szczesny is on hand to collect. The home side break forward with Lewandowski moments later, but the home side just cannot keep possession of the ball for long enough.
SUB! Poland make their second change as Milik is replaced by Mila.
SUB! Germany also make their second change as Podolski replaces Schurrle.
CHANCE! Bellarabi brings another wonderful save from Szczesny as the Arsenal goalkeeper denies the German from close range. It just is not happening for the world champions in the final third. They have had so many chances, but still cannot find a way past the home side's stopper.
CROSSBAR! Podolski rattles the crossbar for Germany after meeting a header from Gotze inside the box. Another chance comes and goes and Poland still lead with little under 10 minutes of football remaining. Can they hold on?!
SUB! Germany make their third and final change as Kruse replaces Rudiger.
SUB! Poland also make their final change as Jedrzejczyk replaces the injured Wawrzyniak.
Little under five minutes of this contest remaining and still Poland lead. As it stands, they are heading for their first ever win against Germany, in what is their 19th attempt. However, you just get the feeling that Germany will still have a say in this match. Chances are bound to occur late on.
BOOKING! Bellarabi is booked for a late challenge on Jedrzejczyk.
CLOSE! Another chance for Germany as Gotze meets a loose ball just outside the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. The home supporters are in fine voice, but their side must ride out these final minutes. There are little over two minutes of football remaining.
GOAL! Poland 2-0 Germany (Mila)
Oh my good grief! Poland have their second as Lewandowski finds some space in the German box before rolling a pass into Mila, who finishes into the bottom corner. Wonderful goal from the home side, who are closing in on their first ever win over Germany. Let the party begin!
Germany attempt to respond as Gotze delivers a deep cross into the box, but once again it comes to nothing. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes here. Surely that is not enough time for Germany to turn this one around?
Another half-chance for the away side as Podolski meets a loose ball inside the box, but his effort is straight at Glik. Moments later, Podolski wins a free kick just outside the box as Sobota makes a late challenge...
... Kroos fires the resulting free kick towards the top corner, but it lands on the top of the net.
FULL-TIME: Poland 1-0 Germany
Incredible, just incredible. Poland beat Germany for the first time in their history in what was their 19th attempt. It is the first time that Germany have lost a qualification match since 2000 and it has blown Group D wide open! Thanks for Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
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