Germany have become the second side to book their spot in the semi-finals of Euro 2012 following an impressive 4-2 win over Greece.
The much-fancied Germans were in imperious form this evening, and could even afford to rest a number of key players as they secured a place in the next round.
The victory also extended their run of competitive victories to 15 games, while Greece are still yet to record a victory over Germany.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two.
Germany statistics:
Shots 26
On target 15
Possession 68%
Corners 10
Fouls 7
Greece statistics:
Shots 8
On target 4
Possession 32%
Corners 1
Fouls 10
Was the result fair?
This is probably the most emphatic yes I have ever given. Truth be told, the Germans dominated the match from the word go and perhaps should have led 4-0 at the break – it was that one-sided. Greece did improve early in the second period, but Germany were always miles too strong.
Germany's performance
It says something about you as a team when you can replace arguably three of your best attackers and still score four goals. They defended superbly despite a slight lack of concentration for the Greek goals, while they have so much movement and quality in midfield. It is quite frightening.
Greece's performance
It was always going to be difficult for Greece this evening, and they certainly did not lack heart. However, their set-up was never really going to allow them to win the match. Their goalkeeper had a bit of a horror show, while their normal good defending deserted them.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Mesut Ozil: The Real Madrid midfielder was simply wonderful this evening. His movement and eye for a pass made him, in my opinion, the best player on the pitch. He really is a lovely lovely footballer.
Referee performance
Damir Skomina had a fairly straightforward night this evening. There will be questions, however, over his decision to award Greece a penalty late on.
Biggest gaffe of the game
Michalis Sifakis, take your pick. The Greek goalkeeper had a torrid evening as he continued to parry almost every shot straight back into his area. He also came and got nowhere near a cross, allowing Miroslav Klose to head into an empty net.
What next?
Germany: Germany march on to the semi-finals where they will face the winner of England vs. Italy. One thing is for certain, no one will want to face Joachim Low's side.
Greece: That's it for the Greeks. They have certainly not let anyone down and they have also given their country some much-needed happiness.
Matt Law
