[Euro 2008] Germany Beats Poland for 75th Time

Germany beat Poland, 2-0, yesterday in the opening Group B match of the Euro 2008 soccer tournament.

Winners of three European titles, the Germans defeated the Poles for the 75th straight time at Woerthersee Stadium in Klagenfurt, Austria.

German midfielder Lukas Podolski, who was born in Poland, scored both of his team’s goals. In the 20th minute, teammate Miroslav Klose kicked the ball to Podolski, who blasted it into the net.

Podolski again got an assist from Klose, who is also Polish born, to score Germany’s second in the 73rd minute.

Podolski did not celebrate after the two goals, saying he has a big family in Poland and was born there, so he wanted to show respect.

Russia coach Guus Hiddink will lead his team in a Group D match against Spain tomorrow. The Dutchman led his native Netherlands to the semifinals of Euro 1996, Korea to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup and Australia to the second round of the 2006 World Cup.

Russia advanced to Euro 2008 at the expense of England, and soccer fans are wondering if Hiddink can again work his magic with the Russians.

bluesky@donga.com