Low's strategy tells as Germany make flying start

In his first game in charge of Germany at a major tournament, Joachim Lw did everything right. He picked the right starters, he made the right substitutions and he chose the right game plan to get the Germans off to a flying start in their attempt for a fourth European Championship title.

Germany's 2-0 win over Poland here on Sunday ended a 12-year losing streak in the competition. It also extended Polish disappointment. They have not beaten Germany in 16 attempts in 75 years. Both goals came from Lukas Podolski, a naturalised German citizen born in Poland.

"Naturally, we are pleased with the result. We had to find out where we stand as a team, because it's the first game," Lw said. "We played very well. It was a demonstration of our will, of our desire."

The last time Germany won a game at a European Championship was in 1996, when they captured their third title. Oliver Bierhoff, whose Golden Goal delivered the title, said this team reminded him of the champions 12 years ago."They are also very focused on the title, the way we were. Maybe these guys are even hungrier," Bierhoff said yesterday. "It's a wonderful group."

Bierhoff, now the team's general manager, was happy for the losing run to be broken. "It's good that we swept away this jinx," he said. "It was very important to win the first game, but we still have a long road ahead of us."

The 48-year-old Lw took over from Jrgen Klinsmann following the last World Cup after working as his assistant. Lw said he did not feel like a novice, since he had already guided the team through qualifying. "Still, it's a nice experience to be alone in charge. The game stood on the edge until we scored the second goal," Lw said.

Lw decided to go with Podolski in left midfield and that proved to be a master stroke.

Nominally a striker, Podolski has played a few times in left midfield for the national team and he proved his worth, making quick, penetrating runs and knocking in the two goals.

"When he is in perpetual motion like that, he is a constant threat," Lw said. "He can play in both positions. I saw in training that he was very active, that he has a lot of speed and stamina."

The Germans thought Poland would come out with great desire, hoping finally to score a win over the neighbours. The game began at a frantic pace and the Germans did not concede any ground in some bruising duels. Once Podolski scored in the 20th minute, the Germans settled down.

Lw said there were still things to improve, but the Germans already seem to be confirming their status as favourites.

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