B. Schweinsteiger has scored a goal for Germany! Assist by M. Özil.
It was a fantastic counter-attack from Germany, with Ozil the architect as he picked out the excellent run of Schweinsteiger, who made no mistake with the finish.
GOOOOAAAALLL TO GERMANY! Well, from the resulting corner, it is Low’s side who finally double their lead. Mustafi made the initial block, quickly setting Ozil free down the left. The former Werder Bremen star races clear of his marker and puts in a superb cross towards Schweinsteiger who, with his first touch after coming on, tucks home past Pyatov.
90' +1
Well, we saw Russia claim an undeserved point against England with a late leveller last night, and Ukraine are looking to do the same now, as Yarmolenko hammers a strike goalwards that takes a deflection off Mustafi and goes out for a corner...
90'
B. Schweinsteiger enters the game and replaces M. Götze.
A second change in the offing now for Germany, then, as Bastian Schweinsteiger comes on to replace the ineffective Mario Gotze. It is a seventh major tournament for the experienced Manchester United midfielder.
89'
GOOD SAVE! Neuer make amends for that mistake swiftly, however, coming out at pace to prevent Yarmolenko snatching an equaliser with an attempt chip from an acute angle.
88'
END TO END! Well, what a moment that could have been for Ukraine! First, Pyatov makes a good save to deny Ozil at the other end, though the Germany playmaker really should have wrapped up the result having been in a one-on-one situation. The Ukraine goalkeeper immediately punts a long ball upfield, which Mustafi looks to nod back in towards his own shot-stopper. However, Neuer had come too far out from his goal and the header soars over him but, fortunately for Low’s men, trickles wide.
86'
STAT FLASH - At the age of 19 years and 179 days, substitute Oleksandr Zinchenko has become the youngest ever player to represent Ukraine at a major tournament.
84'
Fomenko does still have one more change at his disposal, and surely this would be the time to use it if they are to stand any chance of salvaging something from this match as, once more, Pyatov has to come to their rescue by sprinting out to deny Schurrle a free path towards goal.
81'
Germany are simply looking to wear Ukraine down now, with more precise and patient build-up. They take their time, but again manage to create an opportunity by picking out Schurlle 18 yards out, but the former Chelsea forward’s shot trickles wide.
78'
A. Schürrle enters the game and replaces J. Draxler.
A first change now for Germany, as Low decides that Julian Draxler’s race is run. He is replaced by his Wolfsburg teammate Andre Schurrle.
76'
CLOSE! Good defending from Mustafi as he dispossesses Yarmolenko and immediately looks to set Germany away on the counter. They break at pace, with Mulelr picking up space on the edge of the area and unleashing a low drive that forces Pyatov into making a smart reaction save down to his left. The Ukraine shot-stopper has certainly had a lot of work to do tonight, as expected!
Minute
Description
74'
O. Zinchenko enters the game and replaces V. Kovalenko.
Another change now for Ukraine, as Viktor Kovalenko makes way for Oleksandr Zinchenko.
73'
Sloppiness is certainly starting to set in within the Ukraine ranks, as fatigue seems to be starting to take over - perhaps due to the heavy nature of the turf and down to the fact that they have been chasing the ball for the large majority of this match.
72'
STAT FLASH - Toni Kroos has had a hand in four goals in his last four games with Germany (two goals, one assist).
69'
CHANCE! That should have been 2-0! Superb play once more from Khedira, who has been extremely effective in a box-to-box role next to Kroos this evening, as the former Real Madrid and Stuttgart midfielder picks put Howedes down the right. The Schalke defender does not hesitate in delivering a fantastic cross to the back post, which his former club teammate Draxler meets with a header, but the 22-year-old cannot direct his effort on target.
68'
Y. Konoplanka gets yellow.
A yellow card now for Yevhen Konoplyanka, who goes into Mr Atkinson's book for a late lunge on Gotze.
66'
Y. Selezniov enters the game and replaces R. Zozulia.
However, it is Ukraine who shall make the first substitution of the evening, as Roman Zozulya’s night comes to a premature end. His replacement is the controversial Shakhtar Donetsk forward Yevhen Seleznyov, who caused a stir recently with a move to Russian side Kuban Krasnodar, though he has now relocated back to his home nation.
65'
One player’s impact that has waned somewhat in this half has been that of Draxler, while Gotze has been anonymous throughout. It appears that Low may be looking to remedy this, with Mario Gomez and the supremely talented Schalke youngster Leroy Sane having been sent out to do some warming up on the touchline.
62'
EXCELLENT STOP! More intricate and patient build-up play from Germany as they edge their way towards Ukraine’s goal. Eventually, Khedira tries his luck with a swerving shot from over 25 yards out, but Pyatov adjusts his feet instinctively to make a solid save.
60'
STAT FLASH - Nine of the last 13 goals in games between Germany and Ukraine have been scored before half-time, while Ukraine never conceded more than one goal in a game during qualifying.
58'
GOOD SAVE! That’s a clever effort by Rakitisky who, from a free-kick in a similar position the one Germany scored from, hammers a low strike towards the right-hand upright, forcing Neuer to get down low to his left and tip it wide.
56'
Germany have been in total control so far in the second half, having dominated possession throughout the game with over 65% in their favour. Again, they work a neat move forward - setting Ozil free down the right. The Arsenal man duly picks out Kroos with a clever cut-back, but the resulting strike on goal is deflected on its way through, and Pyatov makes a comfortable stop.
53'
SO CLOSE! A wonderful passage of play by Germany, as Low’s side play their way out from the back despite some good pressing play from Ukraine. They work it down the right before switching the play over to the opposite flank, eventually finding Kroos 25 yards out from goal, and the midfielder wastes no time in hammering a strike towards goal. It beats Pyatov all-ends-up, but unfortunately for the Madrid man the ball skims the corner of the woodwork and sails out of play for a goal kick.
51'
STAT FLASH - Germany have won 18 of their 19 matches that they led at half time. The only one they lost was against England back in March, when goals from Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Eric Dier claiming a 3-2 victory for the Three Lions.
49'
CLOSE! A first real chance of the second half then, as Draxler cuts inside onto his preferred right foot and thumps a dipping strike towards goal. It is destined for the bottom-right corner, but Pyatov had tracked it all the way, diving to his left to parry the ball well away from danger.
47'
An early opportunity to get forward for Germany, as Khacheridi concedes possession deep in his own half, with Ozil swiftly combining with Draxler, who aims to put a cross in towards Muller and Gotze - who managed just 10 touches of the ball in the first half. However, Ukraine’s defence recover quickly enough, and Stepanenko gets back to make the interception and get a counter started.
46'
Welcome back! We are underway once more in Lille, with Germany leading Ukraine 1-0. There have been no alterations by either manager at the interval.
45'
One more chance now for Ukraine, as Shevchuk forces Boateng into conceding a corner. The cross is again delivered into the general vicinity of Khacheridi, but this time Neuer comes out confidently to gather it in.
42'
Some real pressure is now mounting in favour of Ukraine, with Yarmolenko and Konpylanka both becoming more involved. Eventually, Sydorchuk manages to engineer some space for himself to whip in a cross from the right, which Zoxulya very nearly latches onto. The loose ball falls out to Kovalenko, but the youngster can only shank his effort well wide.
40'
DISALLOWED! That’s unlucky from Ukraine, who are certainly starting to cause Germany’s defence some real issues as this half draws nearer to a close. Konoplyanka does well to find some space down the left and curl in a low cross, which Fedetskiy manages to deflect into the path of Yarmolenko, who in turn nudges it home into an empty net. However, the linesman’s flag was already up, with Fedetskiy having strayed a foot offside before connecting with the cross.
38'
REMARKABLE! HOW DID THAT NOT GO IN! This is just incredible, as Kovalenko manages to get a bit of luck deep in Germany’s territory and drive towards goal before laying a pass off to Yarmolenko. It is the first time we have seen the winger in the final third, and he produces a quite-superb pass over to the opposite side of the box which carves open Germany’s defence and sets up Konopylanka. The Sevilla man skews an effort goalwards via a deflection but, somehow, Boateng gets back to hook it clear off the line.
35'
While Ukraine have looked a threat form set-pieces, they seem incredibly toothless up top, with Zozulya seemingly lacking the quality to cause Germany any real issues. That is putting a lot of the attacking onus on Yarmolenko and Konopylanka, but they are both rather pre-occupied with tracking back against the likes of Muller and Draxler. Fomenko needs to change something soon, as at the moment his side are giving the world champions an easy ride.
33'
The main issue for Ukraine so far has been containing - or, rather, not containing - the impact of Kroos. Kovalenko is one of the most exciting attacking talents available to Fomenko, but he has so far been unable to cope with the clever movement of the aforementioned Madrid midfielder, who is been provided with the time and space he needs to dictate the tempo and run the game with his excellent range of passing.
31'
WHAT A CHANCE! Extraordinary stuff in Lille, as Kroos lofts an exquisite pass over the top of Ukraine’s defence and into the feet of Khedira, who had made a fantastic run from deep. The Juventus midfielder takes the ball under his spell with a brilliant first touch, but when the time comes to strike it, Pyatov is already out to make a fabulous save.
29'
STAT FLASH - Mustafi's goal means that 34 different players have now scored for Germany in the European Championships. That's two more than any other nation.
27'
SAVE! What a chance that was for Ukraine! The resulting corner was lofted in towards the giant figure of Khacheridi, who managed to direct a powerful header goalwards. Unfortunately for the Dynamo Kyiv defender, his effort was directed straight at Neuer, who nevertheless had to react sharply to tip the ball over the frame of the goal.
26'
A chance now for Ukraine, as Howedes concedes a free-kick on the left flank. Konopylanka whips in the cross, but Muller - who is so often on hand to score goals at the opposite end - is well placed to head it out for a corner.
24'
Part of Ukraine’s coaching set up is former star player Andriy Shevchenko, who retired from professional football immediately following Euro 2012, in which he netted twice in a game against Sweden. How they could do with a player of his quality this evening! Can they manage to stem the German tide and get back into this game?
21'
Mustafi's goal is the defender's first goal for Germany in what is his 11th appearance.
19'
S. Mustafi has scored a goal for Germany! Assist by T. Kroos.
GOOOOOAAAAALLLL!!! MUSTAFI PUTS GERMANY AHAED! What a header that is from the former Everton defender who, despite not making the grade at Goodison Park, has enjoyed a brilliant career since his time on Merseyside and has now popped up with his nation’s first goal in this tournament. Kroos put in a sublime cross towards the six-yard box, and the Valencia man leapt well to head home powerfully into the top-left corner, giving Pyatov no chance!
As good as Mustafi's header was, it was an even better delivery by Kroos, with the former Bayern midfielder putting in a quite wonderful cross. He is looking at his very best so far this evening.
18'
A chance now for Germany, as Rakitisky is incorrectly deemed to have fouled Muller on the right-hand corner of the box. Kroos and Ozil stand over it...
17'
While Draxler is undoubtedly one of the most talented young players at the tournament, he does tend to switch off defensively, and that is allowing Ukraine’s right-back Fedetskiy to get forward almost at will when his side are in possession. Hector is attempting to prevent him making too much headway, but already that right-hand channel appears to be Ukraine’s best source of creating chances.
16'
One player who has not had much of a sniff so far is Arsenal playmaker Ozil. The ex-Real Madrid star has been well-marshalled by Stepanenko up until now, but that is allowing Draxler to take advantage of the extra man to get on the ball down the left, and the Wolfsburg youngster is causing Ukraine's defence some real issues.
14'
CHANCE! That should be 1-0 to Germany! It was great play down the left from Draxler, who drew in his marker before clipping a cross to the back post. Muller is on hand to meet it, nodding the ball back into the centre of the area where Hector awaits but, on his weaker right foot the full-back - who has been linked with a move from current club Cologne to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool - can only skew his effort off-target, with Pyatov able to collect it at the second attempt.
12'
Almost a bit of a mix-up there between Boateng and Neuer, as the Bayern teammates suffer a brief break down in communication as both of them converge on a loose ball. Eventually, it is the former Manchester City centre-back who takes charge, nodding the ball back to his goalkeeper under pressure from Zozulya.
10'
There is certainly a fascinating undertone to the Ukraine line-up this evening, with Yarmolenko and Stepanenko both starting in midfield. The two had a well-dpcumented spat during a full-blooded clash between their respective club sides Dynamo and Shakhtar Donetsk this season, and the tensions are still present.
8'
It has ben a really lively start to this affair, with Germany - naturally - looking to get Kroos on the ball as much as possible, with the Real Madrid midfielder already looking to pull the strings from his deep-lying playmaker role. However, Ukraine are certainly looking dangerous on the break, with the pace of Yarmolenko and Konopylanka the main threat.
6'
GREAT SAVE! What a start that would have been for Ukraine, if not for the spectacular Manuel Neuer! Fedetskiy does brilliant down the right to get the better of Hector and slide a low cross along the cusp of the Germany penalty area. Konoplyanka bursts on to it, hammering a side-footed strike towards the right-hand corner, but the Bayern goalkeeper is well-placed to dive to his left and parry it out of danger.
4'
A first half-chance for the world champions, there, as Draxler bursts forward down the left and cuts inside towards the edge of the 18-yard box. He eventually looks to unleash a strike, but he loses his footing slightly and can only drag the effort wide.
2'
The atmosphere is spectacular in Stade Pierre Mauroy, as Ukraine manage to get on the ball early on, with Yarmolenko looking to get in-behind Germany’s defence, but Neuer - as he does so well - is quickly out to smother the danger.
1'
KICK-OFF! We are under way in Lille as, on the sound of Martin Atkinson’s whistle, Germany - who have seven of their World Cup-winning lineup starting this evening - get proceedings up and running.
Hello and welcome, football fans, to our LIVE coverage of the third and final game of day three of Euro 2016, in which current world champions Germany take on Ukraine in Lille. Stick right here for all the action as it happens from Stade Pierre Mauroy!
After day two of the tournament was marred by trouble in Marseille, it appears that some sections of the German and Ukraine support have also been causing havoc in Lille - with confirmed reports of violence between supporters in the city as the afternoon has wore on. However, in and around the ground, at least, all is calm as we await what should be a fascinating match-up in Group C.
With Poland’s earlier victory over Northern Ireland seeing them move atop the fledgling standings, the pressure is on both these sides to get off to a winning start. Joachim Low’s Germany side are the clear favourites, but Ukraine will be no easy opposition, and with the likes of Andriy Yarmolenko and Yehven Konoplyanka - of Dynamo Kyiv and Sevilla respectively - they are sure to represent a real challenge.
It is no surprise that Germany are among the favourites to lift this trophy on July 10, with an embarrassment of of riches within their squad. They are competing in their 12th European Championships, more than any other side, winning the tournament three times - their last triumph coming in England in 1996. They reached the final in 2008, losing out to Spain, before crashing out to Italy in the semi-final stage four years ago.
As for Ukraine, Mykhailo Fomenko’s side are competing in just their second Euros - having co-hosted the event with Poland in 2012. They were knocked out in the group stages last time round, and this evening face opposition that they have failed to beat in five attempts, though it is the first time these sides have met in a major tournament.
We have team news to bring you now from Lille, so without further ado, let’s check on the full squads. We’ll begin with Germany…
Similarly, there’s just the one amendment from Ukraine coach Foment, who is making his debut appearance in a major tournament - compared to his counterpart low who has led his side to four major events previous to this month’s showpiece. The highly-rated youngster Viktor Kovalenko sat out the 3-1 victory over Albania, but today he comes back in to replace Denys Garmash.
So, just the one - enforced - change from Low from the German line-up that beat Hungary in their final warm-up game, with the injured Antonio Ruddier replaced by the Valencia's Shkodran Mustafi, who partners Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng in the centre of defence, with Mats Hummels still not fit enough to feature.
For all their quality, Germany were slightly out of sorts throughout their qualification campaign, and it is as of yet unknown if - in the absence of players such as Philip Lahm - they can re-create the magnificent performances of the World Cup in 2014. While Low’s squad is the youngest in the tournament, they do have plenty of big-game experience, with Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller all mainstays in the squad of the past six years, while Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski are the relative ‘veterans’ available from the bench.
One notable absence from Germany’s starting lineup is that of a recognised striker. Mario Gotze is leading the line this evening, with back up from Muller, Ozil and Julian Draxler. Strictly speaking, the only true No.9 in the German squad is Mario Gomez, but the former Bayern Munich man has had to settle for a place on the bench tonight, which means the onus will be on current Bayern attackers Gotze and Muller to penetrate a Ukraine defence that conceded just five goals throughout qualification.
We are just moments away from kick-off now in Lille, with the two sides out on the pitch for the national anthems. Germany have yet to lose an opening game of a European Championship, and you feel that Ukraine will be hard pressed to spoil that record this evening.
HALF-TIME! A final glut of pressure from Germany comes to nothing and Martin Atkinson sounds the whistle indicating the interval. It has been a fascinating, thoroughly entreating clash so far, with the world champions ahead courtesy of Mustafi’s header.
Ukraine started well, with only a fine save from Neuer preventing Konopylanka giving them an early lead. However, Germany swiftly took control, with Kroos dictating the play supremely. And despite there being a question mark over the referee’s decision to award a foul on Muller for the free-kick that led to the opener, it was an immense delivery by the German No.18, with Mustafi duly applying the finish.
However, Ukraine - who had also gone close through Khacheridi - almost hauled themselves level when Konopylanka’s poor attempt at a finish deflected off Boateng and looked to be creeping over the goal-line but, somehow, the Bayern defender managed to back pedal and hook it clear at the vital moment, before a late amount of pressure resulted in a few half chances. It was certainly a spirited display from Fomenko’s side, though, and they will be confident that they can certainly cause Germany issues after the restart.
FULL TIME! It’s all over in Lille, where Germany have claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ukraine courtesy of goals from Mustafi and Schweinsteiger. Low’s side played well throughout, and though Ukraine did threaten in the first half with the world champions looking slightly suspect in defence, they were poor after the interval as Germany eased to a win to move atop of Group C.
It may not have been a sparkling display from Germany this evening, but they more than did enough to deserve the three points. Toni Kroos was at his very best at the heart of their midfield, with Germany’s attritional passing play eventually wearing down Ukraine and sapping them of any energy to get forward, with Schweinsteiger wrapping up the result late on with his first international goal since 2011.
As for Ukraine, they will be extremely disappointed with their second-half display, especially considering the issue they had caused Gemrany’s defence just prior to the interval. Next up for Fomenko’s side in Group C is Northern Ireland on Thursday, with Germany take on Poland in Paris later that day.
Well, that’s all we’ve got time or this evening. Many thanks for joining us for all the Euro 2016 action on the third day of this tournament, with Germany having claimed a convincing 2-0 victory over a disappointing Ukraine in the final game of the day. Earlier, Poland got the better of Northern Ireland, while Croatia overcame Turkey. Until next time, thank you and goodbye!
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