Match seven of Euro 2016 saw Germany and Ukraine go head-to-head and it was the favourites who emerged victorious on a final score-line of 2-0 following what was an enthralling encounter full of incident, excitement and action.
The opening half saw Joachim Loew’s charges steal the lead through Shkodran Mustafi before the half-hour mark, but the Ukrainians mounted a spirited fightback that saw them threaten to equalise before the interval.
Following the restart, there were chances for both outfits to steal a goal, but it was Bastian Schweinsteiger who killed the tie off as a contest with a late, late decider after being teed up by Mesut Ozil.
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So, let us guide you through five talking points of the big game.
1) Germany should have scored more
Controlling possession does not always mean victory is guaranteed, nor does it mean that it is warranted – but it does hint at a technical superiority, and that shone through in large parts of the match as Germany knocked the ball about with confidence and purpose, often exhibiting admirable patience when they were stifled by some staunch defending from their opponents.
It was clear from the get-go that the favourites for this one was the Germans as they started the match much brighter (although they didn’t have the first shot on target) and enjoyed the lion’s share of the ball, as highlighted by this Squawka tweet:
When Mustafi’s 19th-minute header went in it looked like they would go on to dominate the scoreboard in a far more convincing manner, but they wound up fading in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Nevertheless, this was Germany’s match to lose and they created plenty to give the fans moments to cheer, but they weren’t clinical enough with the opportunities they crafted in possession.
It was surprising to see so many wasted chances from them, especially when one considers just how highly praised they are.
Their inability to stick chances away that they normally would have might just be a case of early tournament jitters, but it is cause for concern nonetheless. That said, the positives on display of their superior midfield craftsmanship promises that if they don’t win the tournament outright it won’t be for lack of incisive play from their playmaking midfielders.
2) Ukraine dangerous on the counter attack
For much of the match, it was clear that if Ukraine were going to rattle the back of the net, it was going to come about as a result of a punchy, well-executed counter attack.
It has been stated by many a football analyst and figure in recent times that teams who counter could enjoy immense success in France this summer, and Ukraine certainly did their best to prove that theory right.
With Yevhen Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko pulling the strings, they teased a number of chances and before long had a goal ruled offside as well as an effort cleared off the line from the alert Jerome Boateng.
Snappily moving the ball from defence to attack, they made Germany sweat, particularly in the first half as well as in the final 10 minutes of the second. In truth, they were unlucky not to score from some of their in vogue initiatives.
Ironically, as it transpired, it was a German breakaway which sealed their fate in the closing moments.
However, the team who are only featuring in their second European Championship ever certainly have what it takes to cause others trouble moving forward - all they need to do is to find the finishing touches to some of their cut-throat moves, because this particular match could have been an even closer run contest than the scoreline suggested.
3) Die Mannschaft vulnerable at the back
Loew’s charges are unlikely to exit the tournament for want of better passing and creativity, but. along with some wayward shooting, their shaky defending could come back to haunt them against a superior attack.
As pointed out, Ukraine are strongest when they're catapulting out after halting an opponent’s attack, but they didn't only cause problems for Loew’s troops with that approach, and they were sometimes handed chances on a plate by some Nationalelf slip-ups at the back. In fact, it’s arguable that bar Boateng, their defence was suspect whenever they were tested.
The pairing of Mustafi and Jonas Hector was got at easily by Ukraine at times and if it had not been for Germany's monopoly on possession, they would have come under fire much more regularly.
There were a few examples of poor communication at the back where confusion reigned, and the snapshot that stuck out most of all was when Mustafi almost put into his own goal with a headed back-pass to Manuel Neuer that had the custodian back-pedaling.
There is only so much that can be done on the training pitch and German fans will hope they find a better combination for their rearguard because it just looks too unsure of itself right now.
4) Khedira & Kroos key players for Germany
If it hadn’t already been clear before kick-off that Toni Kroos would be a key player for the Germans, there was no escaping the fact a few minutes into the match.
Dictating possession, the Real Madrid man was full of confidence in the way he sprayed the ball about the park, and his near lazer vision was in perfect working order throughout.
Examples of his passing brilliance were numerous, but his gorgeous long-range, dinked pass from 30 yards to set up Sami Khedira for a shot on goal in the opening half was arguably the best.
He wasn’t afraid to get the ball down and test the ‘keeper Andriy Pyatov himself, either. Indeed, in the 51st and 56th minutes, Kroos had cracks on goal only to see his efforts denied. Khedira was also a real threat and provided a double-pronged effect alongside Kroos (while Mesut Ozil was fairly quiet) with his ability to switch the play with perfectly weighted balls as well as firing a neat effort on goal on the hour mark.
Neither man scored, but one can be sure they will have plenty to say about where the Henri Delaunay trophy will wind up come July 10.
5) Fomenko’s men could be dark horses
Aside from their ability to spring counter-attacks, it was clear from their performance against Germany that they have plenty of other strengths which could make them serious contenders to make a surprise deep surge in the competition.
They are very comfortable at delivering set-pieces. Whether it was from corners or direct free kicks, the Yellow-Blues always looked like they would cause problems for Manuel Neuer and company at the back. Konoplyanka provided some great service into the box from any corners they won and, alongside Yarmolenko, was their danger man.
Moreover, Mykhailo Fomenko’s charges were rather impressive in defence for much of the match.
Whenever they did spring forward to attempt to catch Germany on the break, they were disciplined enough to track back and cover and failed attempts as the 1996 champions tried to nab a second. Whether it was through some crunching slide tackles, uber-aware positioning or a calm ability to stand up and usher Germany away from goal-scoring positions, they performed well (despite their first goal getting conceded thanks to some sloppy marking.)
All in all, Ukraine have all the raw components to push the big guns. They didn't fear the reigning world champions in their opening match of the tournaments and are unlikely to shudder at the thought of facing Poland or Northern Ireland as they aim to escape Group C after a strong initial showing.
