Poland 2-0 Germany: Poland shock Germany with first win

Poland's players celebrate after scoring the 1-0 against Germany during the Euro 2016 Group D qualifying football match Poland vs Germany in Warsaw, Poland on October 11, 2014. AFP PHOTO / JANEK SKARZYNSKI

Poland struck twice on the break to stun wasteful World Cup winners Germany 2-0 on Saturday, earning their first ever victory over their illustrious neighbours and taking control of Euro 2016 qualifying’s Group D.

Arkadiusz Milik put them ahead with a well-timed header in the 51st minute and Sebastian Mila added another late in the game to hand the hosts a memorable victory against bitter rivals Germany after 18 previous failed attempts. The feat was even more impressive given Germany had not lost an away qualifier for either the World Cup or Euros since 1998.

“In such games a squad gains its identity,” Poland coach Adam Nawalka told reporters. “I hope this will be the beginning of a new road for the national team.

“We made a small step, but let’s not be too euphoric. We play Scotland on Tuesday and this is our focus now.”

Poland, who had scored once in their previous six competitive meetings and had lost 12 of 18 games against either Germany or West Germany, now go top of Group D on six points, as many as Ireland.

Poland are now unbeaten in their last seven European Championship qualifiers, equalling their all-time record. Germany are third on three points after two games.

Wearing the black and red striped tops they last wore during their 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the World Cup semi-final in July, Germany had control of the game but were wasteful with their chances.

“Obviously we are very disappointed,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew. “But I can’t say much about the team. The only thing is that we were a bit sloppy with our chances in the first half.

“Also in the second half we played well and created chances but Poland scored with their first dangerous ball,” said Loew. “Our game execution was good. Our finishing wasn’t.”