Germany 1-0 Portugal: Mario Gomez nets winner in tense Euro 2012 encounter

STV

Mario Gomez’s goal was the difference as Germany saw off Portugal by a single goal in their first match of Euro 2012

The striker headed home from Sami Khedira’s deflected cross with 18 minutes left on the clock, just as he was set to be substituted for Miroslav Klose, to give his team all three points.

An unsuccessful claim for a goal by Portugal defender Pepe provided a rare moment of excitement in the first half.

The Real Madrid stopper saw a side-footed effort come down off the crossbar and bounce on the line, with the referee’s assistant behind the goal correctly adjudging the ball had not crossed the line.

Germany, many people’s favourites to win the tournament, controlled the majority of possession but neither side seriously tested the respective goalkeepers during the first 45 minutes.

The game continued in similar style throughout the second half, prompting German boss Joachim Loew to summon Klose from his bench to enter the fray.

Seconds later, Khedira’s deep ball from the inside right looped up kindly for Gomez, the man likely to be replaced, who steered his header across goalkeeper Rui Patricio and into the net.

Portugal burst into life after falling behind, with Cristiano Ronaldo stinging the palms of Manuel Neuer with a shot from distance.

Neuer then came to Germany’s rescue with a late sprawling save to deny substitute Silvestre Varela, who looked certain to turn in an equaliser at the far post.

WATCH THE KEY MOMENTS

Mario Gomez scores the only goal of the game

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