MX23RW : Friday, September 20 07:27:27| >> :600:781050:781050:

Match Analysis: Euro 2012 - Germany 4-2 Greece

Match Analysis: Euro 2012 - Germany 4-2 Greece
© PA Photos
Sports Mole dissects Germany's 4-2 win over Greece in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.

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.

ID:31835: cacheID:31835:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4711:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Mario Gomez
Read Next:
Gomez to be dropped?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Patriots
@
Jets
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City4400113812
2Arsenal431061510
3Newcastle UnitedNewcastle431063310
4Liverpool43017169
5Aston Villa43017619
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton42206248
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest42204228
8Chelsea42118537
9Brentford42026606
10Manchester UnitedMan Utd42025506
11Bournemouth41215505
12Fulham41214405
13Tottenham HotspurSpurs41126424
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham411256-14
15Leicester CityLeicester402257-22
16Crystal Palace402247-32
17Ipswich TownIpswich402227-52
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves4013411-71
19Southampton400418-70
20Everton4004413-90


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!