Netherlands against Germany

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Willems</b> blocks Muller

Almost calamity as Stekelenburg lets the ball roll under his body, with Muller trying to turn the ball home.

Muller concedes a free-kick on De Jong right in the corner. Taken long and Hummels rises above Huntelaar.

Consecutive corners for Germany, taken short as the clock ticks down. Clever play from the tournament favourites.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Boateng</b> Slowing play down too much for some! Booked for time-wasting over a throw-in.

This game now quickly dying out it seems. Germany really slowing play down.

Van der Vaart has an effort from 25 yards looked to grab his side a point. Well wide in the end.

Germany keeping the ball well in these final few moments. Determined not to give Netherlands a chance to get back into the game.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Kuyt replaces Arjen Robben</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Toni Kroos replaces Mesut Ozil</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>De Jong</b> for a cynical trip in midfield.

Netherlands, once more, afford Muller too much space and he cuts inside to get a shot away. Blocked by Heitinga.

Van Persie takes a tumble in the area under the challenge of Hummels. Netherlands want a penalty, but the appeals are wavesd away.

Huntelaar and Van Persie combine at the edge of the area, with the former having a chance to play in Sneijder. The ball gets trapped under his feet though.

Still wide open this game....

Ozil bursts into the area and has a chance to put this game to bed. Twisting and turning, he looks to have the beating of De Jong, but the Man City man makes a great recovery challenge.

Netherlands are rejuvenated. They have 16 minutes to rescue something here.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL Netherlands 1-2 Germany RVP to the rescure!!!</b> Receiving the ball 25 yards out, Van Persie turns Hummels too easily, charges infield and fires low from outside the area past Neuer.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Miroslav Klose replaces Mario Gomez</b>

From the corner, Germany counter and they have men spare on the far side. Muller wastes the opportunity though.

Robben drives into the box from the right and lays the ball across the box to Sneijder. The Inter man learhers a shot at goal, well blocked by Boateng.

Robben pulls off his marker just inside the box. He's found by Van der Vaart, but scuffs his shot wide on the turn.

The game is very much being played at Germany's pace. If Netherlands want to stay in this tournament they need to up the tempo.

Sneijder working hard for his side in midfield, but ends up fouling Khedira. Germany come again.

Netherlands almost craft an opportunity. Sneijder rolls the ball to Robben in the left channel, but the Bayern man's control is poor.

Corner from Podolski swung in towards the near post, headed clear by Mathijsen.

Netherlands look in a mess defensively, as Germany flood forward again. Willems rescues the Dutch with a fine tackle on Muller.

Sneijder unleashes a fine shot from range that has Neuer worried. The ball flies inches wide of the far post.

Delightful play from Ozil, looking to play a 1-2 with Thomas Muller. The return ball is slightly too hard and Stekelenburg gathers.

Another extended spell of German possession in midfield.

Lahm cuts in off the left and looks to get a shot on goal. Memories of World Cup 06 come flooding back until Heitinga gets in a good block.

Fine save from Neuer to deny Van Persie. The Arsenal striker with a first-time shot from outside the area that was flying into the corner of the net.

Netherlands have a corner in amongst all the German pressure. Dealt with fairly easily. Goal-kick.

Ozil, who is happily floating into gaps all over the midfield, is flagged offside as Germany once more cut through Netherlands at will.

Robben looks to play Huntelaar into space on the left, but Mats Hummels is there once more to sweep up the danger.

Netherlands are struggling to get into this half. It is all Germany at the moment. Van der Vaart is trying, but to little effect.

Ozil is bossing this game now as he slips Podolski behind Van der Wiel. The Dutch defending is atrocious.

Mats Hummels is given the freedom of Kharkiv to charge forward and get a shot at goal. The shot is saved, but the rebound comes to Hummels again and Stekelenburg has to save again.

Germany's commitment is first-rate so far. They look to want this more than Holland so far.

Schweinsteiger, who has been fantastic for Germany so far, is holding his hamstring. Worrying for Joachim Low.

Nario Gomez down and needing treatment. Much to Heitinga's disgust. Referee trying to cool tempers.

Free-kick taken by Schweinsteiger again and once more hits Robben. Corner. Thrown in from the left and cleared.

Free-kick on the left of the area for Germany. Van der Wiel fouls Podolski.

<b>SECOND HALF</b> underway

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Huntelaar and Van der Vaart replace Van Bommel and Afellay</b>

Lets see what changes Netherlands make at the break. They are in a perilous position at the moment.

Mesut Ozil and Mario Gomez have been the two best players on the pitch so far. Unfortunately for Netherlands, most of their defence would compete for worst player so far.

Gomez has been the difference so far, but since taking the lead Germany have been simply outstanding. Netherlands bright start has gone to waste.

<img src="http://i.espncdn.com/i/img/1099387_310_175.jpg"> Gomez scores his opener

<b>HALF TIME</b> Netherlands 0-2 Germany

Unbelievable! Schweinsteiger takes and Stekelenburg has to scramble quickly to stop Robben deflecting the ball into his own net.

Free-kick chucked into the area from the right, but headed clear. Within seconds, though, Germany have a similar opportunity from the left.

One minute added-time.

Fantastic free-kick opportunity for Germany here. Willems tries to make amends for allowing Muller in behind again, but clatters Khedira.

Germany are playing the ball around comfortably in midfield. All too easy for them at the moment.

Netherlands have made a switch. Robben is now on the left-flank, with Afellay moving across.

Germany pile forward on the attack as Netherlands waste a corner. The ball is worked to Boateng who has charged forward, but the right-back decides to go for glory and hammers the ball wide from 25 yards.

As Netherlands get the game going again, Huntelaar is warming up on the sidelines.

The decision by Van Marwijk to put faith in Willems is looking more questionable by the minute.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL Netherlands 0-2 Germany Gomez at the double!!!</b> Podolski slips a ball into the right side of the area, outside of Willems. Gomez is quick to pounce and fires across goal into the far corner. Stekelenburg must do better.

What a miss! Free-kick crossed in by Ozil and Badstuber has a free-header at the back post, but heads straight at Stekelenburg. Has to score there!

Good free-kick chance for Germany from the right of the box now. Willems once more out of position and trips Muller while looking to recover.

The Dutch look to be creating an opportunity around the Germany area, but a poor touch from Van Bommel concedes possession. Soon won back though.

Netherlands are sticking to their game plan. They do, though, need to stop the German counters.

Germany pinch the ball in midfield and Khedira immediately looks to spring Gomez behind the defence. Offside correctly given.

Big opening for Muller who gets himself in behind the hopelessly lost Jetro Willems. He looks to pick out Gomez in the centre, but there is too much pace on the pass.

Once more Arjen Robben takes a shot when their were better options available. This time the effort is comfortably blocked by Hummels.

Netherlands building patiently once more. Gradually inching their way forward by passing amongst the defence.

Germany have clearly had a lift with that goal. They are doing a lot better in midfield now.

Ozil wants a free-kick again, as Heitinga clatters him from behind whilst challenging for a high ball. Nothing given.

Robben cuts inside from his flank and unleashes a shot at goal. Saved comfortably by Neuer.

That was a goal truly fitting of the occasion. A sublime passage of play between Schweinsteiger and Gomez - who was onside.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL Netherlands 0-1 Germany Gomez with a fine goal!!!</b> Patient German build-up comes to Schweinsteiger, whose inch-perfect pass forward finds Gomez behind the defence. A deft control on the turn and tidy finish into the bottom corner give Germany an early advantage.

Robben returns to the pitch with his cut cleaned up. 11 v 11 again.

Odd moment there as Van Persie attacked right-back Jerome Boateng. Not one Dutch player moved to give him an option in the area.

Slight break in play, though, now as Robben and Badstuber clash heads. The Dutchman certainly comes off worse there.

A breakneck speed to the opening twenty minutes so far. Could have had 3-4 goals so far.

Chances at both ends. Germany attack with pace and almost have a great chance with Mario Gomez. The Dutch once more break forward at a rate of knots and it opens up entirely. Afellay simply needs to slide the ball to an open Van Persie in front of goal, but his pass is poor and Hummels clears.

Corner dealt with comfortably by Germany and Neuer has a goal-kick to relieve some pressure.

Van Persie sneaks behind Boateng in the right-back channel and gallops towards goal. The German defender does well to concede a corner with a desperate tackle.

Another long spell of Netherlands possession. They are well ahead on that front so far.

Sneijder takes a corner for Netherlands, but Heitinga cant direct his header at goal. Throw-in.

Ozil takes a tumble in the area and is desperate for a penalty. He had the beating of Mathijsen there, but went to ground far too easily.

Netherlands coach Van Marwijk will be delighted with this start. The Oranje are well on top thus far. Germany restricted to a solitary effort from Ozil.

The Dutch are causing problems with the pace of their passing in midfield. Robben this time picks out Van Persie in the right channel, but his tame shot is easily gathered.

Afellay won't be happy with that. Time to pick a cross for Van Persie from the left, but his pass is too close to Neuer.

Smart effort from Ozil at the other end forces Stekelenburg into a low save. The German hit a dropping ball on the volley from the edge of the box.

Massive chance for Van Persie, there. Could even have taken a touch.

Possession conceded and Netherlands pounce like a tiger to give Van Persie a massive chance. Van Bommel lofts a ball over the hopelessly lost Hummels and Van Persie takes the shot first time. Straight at Neuer. Wasted.

Germany with their first real spell on the ball. Playing the ball tidily around at the back.

First glimpse of Robben running at full-back Philipp Lahm, but it's the German who wins out, stealing the ball away cleanly.

Slow start from Germany. Quite happy to let Netherlands have possession so far.

Holland straight on the attack. Van Persie and Robben linking well on the right. The move works it's way central and Sneijder looks to pick out Van Persie once more, but it's too powerful.

<b>KICK OFF!</b> in Kharkiv. Holland get us underway.

Huge occasion for young Jetro Willems. Became the European Championship's youngest ever player on Saturday. Now he is thrown into one of football's biggest international rivalries.

German anthem first then. Big support for both sides inside this fine stadium.

The teams are coming onto the pitch then in Kharkiv. One of international football's biggest games.

The two sides are meeting for a remarkable 39th time. Germany 14 wins; 14 draws; Netherlands 10 wins

<img src="http://i.espncdn.com/i/img/1099262_310_175.jpg"> A Netherlands fan soaks up the atmosphere in Kharkiv

Mark Van Bommel, Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng are all a yellow card away from suspension after the opening games.

The only time Netherlands have previously lost their opening European Championship game - against the Soviet Union in 1988 ? they went on to avenge that defeat in the final.

Only the one change across the two sides then, with Joris Mathijsen coming into the team in exchange for Ron Vlaar. The Malagaa defender had missed the opener through injury.

<b>Germany:</b> Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm; Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Ozil, Podolski; Gomez

<b>Netherlands:</b> Stekelenburg; Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Willems; Van Bommel, De Jong, Robben, Sneijder, Afellay; Van Persie.

Netherlands, of course, opened the competition with a 1-0 defeat to Denmark. Germany, for their part, achieved the reverse with a 1-0 victory over Portugal.

Netherlands then will take on Germany in Kharkiv this evening knowing that defeat would effectively mean the end of their Euro 2012 hopes.

Still wide open this game....

Ozil bursts into the area and has a chance to put this game to bed. Twisting and turning, he looks to have the beating of De Jong, but the Man City man makes a great recovery challenge.

Netherlands are rejuvenated. They have 16 minutes to rescue something here.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL Netherlands 1-2 Germany RVP to the rescure!!!</b> Receiving the ball 25 yards out, Van Persie turns Hummels too easily, charges infield and fires low from outside the area past Neuer.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Miroslav Klose replaces Mario Gomez</b>

From the corner, Germany counter and they have men spare on the far side. Muller wastes the opportunity though.

Robben drives into the box from the right and lays the ball across the box to Sneijder. The Inter man learhers a shot at goal, well blocked by Boateng.

Robben pulls off his marker just inside the box. He's found by Van der Vaart, but scuffs his shot wide on the turn.

The game is very much being played at Germany's pace. If Netherlands want to stay in this tournament they need to up the tempo.

Sneijder working hard for his side in midfield, but ends up fouling Khedira. Germany come again.

Netherlands almost craft an opportunity. Sneijder rolls the ball to Robben in the left channel, but the Bayern man's control is poor.

Corner from Podolski swung in towards the near post, headed clear by Mathijsen.

Netherlands look in a mess defensively, as Germany flood forward again. Willems rescues the Dutch with a fine tackle on Muller.

Sneijder unleashes a fine shot from range that has Neuer worried. The ball flies inches wide of the far post.

Delightful play from Ozil, looking to play a 1-2 with Thomas Muller. The return ball is slightly too hard and Stekelenburg gathers.

Another extended spell of German possession in midfield.

Lahm cuts in off the left and looks to get a shot on goal. Memories of World Cup 06 come flooding back until Heitinga gets in a good block.

Fine save from Neuer to deny Van Persie. The Arsenal striker with a first-time shot from outside the area that was flying into the corner of the net.

Netherlands have a corner in amongst all the German pressure. Dealt with fairly easily. Goal-kick.

Ozil, who is happily floating into gaps all over the midfield, is flagged offside as Germany once more cut through Netherlands at will.

Robben looks to play Huntelaar into space on the left, but Mats Hummels is there once more to sweep up the danger.

Netherlands are struggling to get into this half. It is all Germany at the moment. Van der Vaart is trying, but to little effect.

Ozil is bossing this game now as he slips Podolski behind Van der Wiel. The Dutch defending is atrocious.

Mats Hummels is given the freedom of Kharkiv to charge forward and get a shot at goal. The shot is saved, but the rebound comes to Hummels again and Stekelenburg has to save again.

Germany's commitment is first-rate so far. They look to want this more than Holland so far.

Schweinsteiger, who has been fantastic for Germany so far, is holding his hamstring. Worrying for Joachim Low.

Nario Gomez down and needing treatment. Much to Heitinga's disgust. Referee trying to cool tempers.

Free-kick taken by Schweinsteiger again and once more hits Robben. Corner. Thrown in from the left and cleared.

Free-kick on the left of the area for Germany. Van der Wiel fouls Podolski.

<b>SECOND HALF</b> underway

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Huntelaar and Van der Vaart replace Van Bommel and Afellay</b>

Lets see what changes Netherlands make at the break. They are in a perilous position at the moment.

Mesut Ozil and Mario Gomez have been the two best players on the pitch so far. Unfortunately for Netherlands, most of their defence would compete for worst player so far.

Gomez has been the difference so far, but since taking the lead Germany have been simply outstanding. Netherlands bright start has gone to waste.

<img src="http://i.espncdn.com/i/img/1099387_310_175.jpg"> Gomez scores his opener

<b>HALF TIME</b> Netherlands 0-2 Germany

Unbelievable! Schweinsteiger takes and Stekelenburg has to scramble quickly to stop Robben deflecting the ball into his own net.

Free-kick chucked into the area from the right, but headed clear. Within seconds, though, Germany have a similar opportunity from the left.

One minute added-time.

Fantastic free-kick opportunity for Germany here. Willems tries to make amends for allowing Muller in behind again, but clatters Khedira.

Germany are playing the ball around comfortably in midfield. All too easy for them at the moment.

Netherlands have made a switch. Robben is now on the left-flank, with Afellay moving across.

Germany pile forward on the attack as Netherlands waste a corner. The ball is worked to Boateng who has charged forward, but the right-back decides to go for glory and hammers the ball wide from 25 yards.

As Netherlands get the game going again, Huntelaar is warming up on the sidelines.

The decision by Van Marwijk to put faith in Willems is looking more questionable by the minute.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL Netherlands 0-2 Germany Gomez at the double!!!</b> Podolski slips a ball into the right side of the area, outside of Willems. Gomez is quick to pounce and fires across goal into the far corner. Stekelenburg must do better.

What a miss! Free-kick crossed in by Ozil and Badstuber has a free-header at the back post, but heads straight at Stekelenburg. Has to score there!

Good free-kick chance for Germany from the right of the box now. Willems once more out of position and trips Muller while looking to recover.

The Dutch look to be creating an opportunity around the Germany area, but a poor touch from Van Bommel concedes possession. Soon won back though.

Netherlands are sticking to their game plan. They do, though, need to stop the German counters.

Germany pinch the ball in midfield and Khedira immediately looks to spring Gomez behind the defence. Offside correctly given.

Big opening for Muller who gets himself in behind the hopelessly lost Jetro Willems. He looks to pick out Gomez in the centre, but there is too much pace on the pass.

Once more Arjen Robben takes a shot when their were better options available. This time the effort is comfortably blocked by Hummels.

Netherlands building patiently once more. Gradually inching their way forward by passing amongst the defence.

Germany have clearly had a lift with that goal. They are doing a lot better in midfield now.

Ozil wants a free-kick again, as Heitinga clatters him from behind whilst challenging for a high ball. Nothing given.

Robben cuts inside from his flank and unleashes a shot at goal. Saved comfortably by Neuer.

That was a goal truly fitting of the occasion. A sublime passage of play between Schweinsteiger and Gomez - who was onside.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL Netherlands 0-1 Germany Gomez with a fine goal!!!</b> Patient German build-up comes to Schweinsteiger, whose inch-perfect pass forward finds Gomez behind the defence. A deft control on the turn and tidy finish into the bottom corner give Germany an early advantage.

Robben returns to the pitch with his cut cleaned up. 11 v 11 again.

Odd moment there as Van Persie attacked right-back Jerome Boateng. Not one Dutch player moved to give him an option in the area.

Slight break in play, though, now as Robben and Badstuber clash heads. The Dutchman certainly comes off worse there.

A breakneck speed to the opening twenty minutes so far. Could have had 3-4 goals so far.

Chances at both ends. Germany attack with pace and almost have a great chance with Mario Gomez. The Dutch once more break forward at a rate of knots and it opens up entirely. Afellay simply needs to slide the ball to an open Van Persie in front of goal, but his pass is poor and Hummels clears.

Corner dealt with comfortably by Germany and Neuer has a goal-kick to relieve some pressure.

Van Persie sneaks behind Boateng in the right-back channel and gallops towards goal. The German defender does well to concede a corner with a desperate tackle.

Another long spell of Netherlands possession. They are well ahead on that front so far.

Sneijder takes a corner for Netherlands, but Heitinga cant direct his header at goal. Throw-in.

Ozil takes a tumble in the area and is desperate for a penalty. He had the beating of Mathijsen there, but went to ground far too easily.

Netherlands coach Van Marwijk will be delighted with this start. The Oranje are well on top thus far. Germany restricted to a solitary effort from Ozil.

The Dutch are causing problems with the pace of their passing in midfield. Robben this time picks out Van Persie in the right channel, but his tame shot is easily gathered.

Afellay won't be happy with that. Time to pick a cross for Van Persie from the left, but his pass is too close to Neuer.

Smart effort from Ozil at the other end forces Stekelenburg into a low save. The German hit a dropping ball on the volley from the edge of the box.

Massive chance for Van Persie, there. Could even have taken a touch.

Possession conceded and Netherlands pounce like a tiger to give Van Persie a massive chance. Van Bommel lofts a ball over the hopelessly lost Hummels and Van Persie takes the shot first time. Straight at Neuer. Wasted.

Germany with their first real spell on the ball. Playing the ball tidily around at the back.

First glimpse of Robben running at full-back Philipp Lahm, but it's the German who wins out, stealing the ball away cleanly.

Slow start from Germany. Quite happy to let Netherlands have possession so far.

Holland straight on the attack. Van Persie and Robben linking well on the right. The move works it's way central and Sneijder looks to pick out Van Persie once more, but it's too powerful.

<b>KICK OFF!</b> in Kharkiv. Holland get us underway.

Huge occasion for young Jetro Willems. Became the European Championship's youngest ever player on Saturday. Now he is thrown into one of football's biggest international rivalries.

German anthem first then. Big support for both sides inside this fine stadium.

The teams are coming onto the pitch then in Kharkiv. One of international football's biggest games.

The two sides are meeting for a remarkable 39th time. Germany 14 wins; 14 draws; Netherlands 10 wins

<img src="http://i.espncdn.com/i/img/1099262_310_175.jpg"> A Netherlands fan soaks up the atmosphere in Kharkiv

Mark Van Bommel, Holger Badstuber and Jerome Boateng are all a yellow card away from suspension after the opening games.

The only time Netherlands have previously lost their opening European Championship game - against the Soviet Union in 1988 ? they went on to avenge that defeat in the final.

Only the one change across the two sides then, with Joris Mathijsen coming into the team in exchange for Ron Vlaar. The Malagaa defender had missed the opener through injury.

<b>Germany:</b> Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm; Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Ozil, Podolski; Gomez

<b>Netherlands:</b> Stekelenburg; Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Willems; Van Bommel, De Jong, Robben, Sneijder, Afellay; Van Persie.

Netherlands, of course, opened the competition with a 1-0 defeat to Denmark. Germany, for their part, achieved the reverse with a 1-0 victory over Portugal.

Netherlands then will take on Germany in Kharkiv this evening knowing that defeat would effectively mean the end of their Euro 2012 hopes.