So, what had been billed as Germany’s toughest fixture of the group – with it being seen by some as something of an “away” fixture in a Berlin Olympiastadion bustling with loud supporters clad in Turkish red and white – produced a masterful display by Jogi Löw’s young side. Apart from one hairy moment which ended in a fine save from Manuel Neuer, the Mannschaft reined supreme against opponents that were not allowed to settle into any sort of rhythm – it was a truly professional display.
Two of Germany’s three goals were scored by Miroslav Klose, a man who continues to underperform at club level but deliver the goods in the national setup. Both of the goals were typical Miro – the first a nod-in from close range after Turkish ‘keeper Volkan Demirel had parried a Thomas Müller effort onto the crossbar, and the second a well-taken slot home after a botched clearance by the poor Turkish Torhuter. Klose – who went past the legendary Franz Beckenbauer in winning his 104th international cap – has now scored five goals in the three Euro 2012 qualifying matches, and fifty-seven in all.
Sandwiched by Klose’s brace was a well-taken effort by Mesut Özil, for whom it was an emotional night playing against the country of his forebears. Özil proved his well-acknowledged maturity by ignoring the incessant chorus of jeers and whistles from the Turkish supporters. While your Beckhams and Rooneys would have allowed the at times fearsome barracking to affect their game, Özil – who describes himself as “the quiet type” – was not fazed in the slightest and simply got on with his game. And what a game. On the other end of the scale, Lukas Podolski had a frustrating evening – even causing the usually placid Nationaltrainer to launch a ball into the stands after he missed a sitter.
The 3-0 scoreline was well-deserved, and it could well have been more had the profligate Poldi not left his striking boots at home. The result leaves Löw’s side well placed to finish the year on a maximum twelve points with the next fixture against minnows Kazakhstan.
v Turkey, Olympiastadion, Berlin, 08.10.2010
3-0 (1-0)
Klose 42., 87., Özil 79. / –
Team: Neuer – Lahm, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Westermann – Khedira, Kroos – Müller, Özil (90. Marin), Podolski (86. Träsch) – Klose (90. Cacau)
Referee: Howard Webb (England)
Assistants: Michael Mullarkey, Peter Kirkup (England)
Fourth Official: Andre Marriner (England)
Yellow Cards: – / Servet Çetin
Red Cards: – / –
Attempts on Target: 9 / 2
Attempts off Target: 10 / 2
Corners: 5 / 6
Fouls Committed: 4 / 10
Attendance: 74,244