By Daily Sports on June 13, 2016

World champions Germany began their quest for a record fourth European Championship by beating Ukraine.

Despite a mercurial performance from Toni Kroos and an early headed goal from Shkodran Mustafi, they were troubled at the back at times.

Jerome Boateng cleared off the line superbly while keeper Manuel Neuer made several good saves before a late scare.

Yevhen Konoplyanka threatened for Ukraine but they tired, with Bastian Schweinsteiger adding a late second.

The Manchester United midfielder, who has not played since 20 March because of a knee injury, came off the bench in stoppage time and two minutes later scored a sweet half-volley from a swift counter attack.

After Poland beat Northern Ireland earlier on Sunday, Germany now top Group C. On Thursday they face the Poles, who beat them in qualifying for Euro 2016.

Northern Ireland's first match at a European Championship finals ended in defeat as Arkadiusz Milik gave Poland a 1-0 win in Nice.

Ajax star Milik slotted in after being picked out by Jakub Blaszczykowski early in the second half.

Poland had dominated the first half but were thwarted by some superb defending by Michael O'Neill's men.

Northern Ireland did not manage to get a decent effort on target and must now regroup to play Ukraine on Thursday. (bbc.com)

 •Photo shows Bastain Schweinsteiger scoing for Germany.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 13, 2016

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