Germany vs Poland player ratings: Did anyone shine in the first stalemate of Euro 2016?

No goals in the Group C encounter between Germany and Poland in Paris

Sam Dymond
Thursday 16 June 2016 17:14 EDT
Comments
Robert Lewandowski and Jerome Boateng challenge for a header during Thursday's draw in Paris (Getty)
Robert Lewandowski and Jerome Boateng challenge for a header during Thursday's draw in Paris (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Germany and Poland drew 0-0 in Paris on Thursday night to leave Group C of Euro 2016 finely balanced.

Their stalemate - the first of this year's finals - leaves both teams level on four points at the top of the group, a point clear of Northern Ireland.

World champions Germany struggled to build momentum, and manager Joachim Low's decision to start without a recognised striker also often left them without a focal point.

They enjoyed significant spells of possession without consistently threatening, while fine defending from Jerome Boateng denied Robert Lewandowski at the other end.

Striker Arkadiusz Milik wasted two opportunities, as Mesut Ozil impressively tested Poland's Lukasz Fabianski with a 69th-minute curling effort from just inside the area.

But which players achieved top marks? Have a read of our ratings and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

GERMANY

Manuel Neuer Didn't have a single shot on target to save, but often swept up trouble in trademark fashion. 6/10

Benedikt Howedes Responsible for a tremendous first half block, he occasionally looked like a centre-back filling in at right-back. 6/10

Jerome Boateng Another solid showing against his Bayern Munich teammate Lewandowski. Only a booking marred his night. 7/10

Julian Draxler was taken off in the second half after beginning brightly (Getty)
Julian Draxler was taken off in the second half after beginning brightly (Getty)

Mats Hummels Back in the team after injury and grew into the game. Contributed with a number of fine tackles and interceptions. 7/10

Jonas Hector The left-back dealt well with the threat of Blaszczykowski, and got forward to support Draxler. 6/10

Sami Khedira An incredibly early booking and a first half knock threatened to halt his evening's work, but he recovered to help protect his defence. 6/10

Toni Kroos A quieter night for the Real Madrid midfielder after his heroics against Ukraine, he nevertheless controlled much of the play. 7/10

Thomas Muller Put himself about against Piszczek and Pazdan, but has yet to prove himself a goal threat at the Euros. 6/10

Thomas Muller could not be faulted for effort but remains without a goal at Euro 2016 (Getty)
Thomas Muller could not be faulted for effort but remains without a goal at Euro 2016 (Getty)

Mesut Ozil An increasingly frustrated figure. The lack of movement in front of him made it hard to create. 5/10

Julian Draxler Faded after a bright start in which he set up Gotze for a header, he was eventually subbed. 5/10

Mario Gotze Another fruitless night in the false nine role, the World Cup winner missed an early header and barely got another look in. 5/10

POLAND

Lukasz Fabianski In for the injured Szczesny, he was a safe pair of hands after a slightly shaky start. 6/10

Lukasz Piszczek Surprisingly caught out in defence early on, he was unable to get forward in the manner he thrives. 6/10

Kamil Glik Cleared up early on when panic struck, and remained calm to the end. 7/10

Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski impressed as a back-up for Poland (Getty)
Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski impressed as a back-up for Poland (Getty)

Michal Pazdan The bullish defender was uncompromising in his dealings with Gotze, Muller and co. 7/10

Artur Jedrzejczyk The left-back contributed to a second Poland clean sheet at the tournament with a steady display. 6/10

Jakub Blaszczykowski The former Bundesliga star utilised his experience on the right flank before his removal with ten minutes to play. 6/10

Grzegorz Krychowiak Won a number of loose balls in midfield, and kept his position throughout to stifle Kroos and Ozil. 7/10

Krzysztof Maczynski Worked hard in front of the back four, and rarely misplaced a pass. 7/10

Kamil Grosicki Produced a number of great deliveries from the left before running out of steam. 7/10

Robert Lewandowski could not live up to his billing against familiar defensive opponents (Getty)
Robert Lewandowski could not live up to his billing against familiar defensive opponents (Getty)

Arkadiusz Milik The star of matchday one, he will be remembered here for missing numerous chances - including a gilt-edged one - despite some good build-up play. 5/10

Robert Lewandowski Kept under wraps by his Bundesliga colleagues, the striker had few opportunities to face up to goal. 6/10

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in