Two superb first-half goals by red-hot striker Mario Gomez earned Germany a 2-1 victory over a disappointing Netherlands in the Euro 2012’s Group B. The win put Germany in sight of the quarter-finals.
Gomez produced a neat turn and shot after a clever Bastian Schwein-steiger pass in the 24th minute and, fed by the same player, fired in a fierce second after the 38th minute. The Dutch, beaten 1-0 by Denmark in their opener, were poor for long spells but hit back with a superb 20-metre shot by forward Robin van Persie in the 73rd minute.
Germany tops the standings with six points but are still not yet sure of qualifying ahead of their final game against Denmark. Portugal and Denmark have three points each after Portugal’s 3-2 victory over the Danes earlier on Wednesday. The Netherlands have no points but could still qualify.