Neuville earns Germany three points

An injury-time strike from Oliver Neuville has secured a memorable 1-0 victory for host nation Germany against a dogged 10-man Poland outfit this morning in Dortmund.

The capacity crowd which crammed the stadium grew increasingly frustrated as the hosts failed to convert their dominance into a lead as the clock ticked into the dying moments.

Hitman Miroslav Klose and skipper and influential midfielder Michael Ballack both slammed their goal-bound shots into the woodwork late on, but depression turned into elation as Neuville stabbed home a close-range shot to send the crowd into delirium.

Neuville, more remembered for his spectacular free-kick from distance which crashed into the bar into the 2002 World Cup final against Brazil, was visibly delighted with the goal that ensured Germany’s progression to the second round.

Poland, reduced to ten men for the last 15 minutes, after Radoslaw Sobolewski was sent off for a second bookable offence, were bombarded by attacks from the host nation late on and appeared they were set to hold on for a goalless draw, until Neuville struck.

Goalkeeper Artur Boruc kept the Poles in the match up until that point, making a string of brilliant saves both from close range and long range, with Klose having three guilt-edged chances brilliantly saved.

Poland-born Lukas Podolski, defender Philip Lahm and Neuville all had shots sensationally saved as well, but Boruc couldn’t keep them the Germans at bay all match.

Manager Jurgen Klinsmann’s decision to introduce David Okondor, who set up Neuville’s goal, was a masterstroke as the pacy midfielder lit up the match with several attacking bursts down the right-hand flank.

Poland had the first good chance of the match after nine minutes, but Maciej Zurawski’s 20-yard effort was easy pickings for Jens Lehmann. Klose was denied by Boruc soon after, as was Podolski.

Frustration grew as the match continued, but Neuville spared the German’s blushes with his important last-minute strike.

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