Germany vs. Poland: Winners and Losers from Euro 2016 Qualifier
Germany moved into top spot in Group D of the Euro 2016 qualifying competition thanks to a 3-1 win over previous leaders Poland.
Mario Gotze was the hero for the reigning world champions in Frankfurt, Germany, with the Bayern Munich player scoring a goal in each half at the Commerzbank-Arena.
His club colleague Thomas Muller was also on target for Germany, who had lost the reverse fixture 2-0 in Warsaw last year.
Poland, who had found themselves 2-0 down inside 20 minutes, reduced the arrears when Robert Lewandowski planted a header beyond Manuel Neuer in the home goal.
However, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper came to his side's rescue just before the break, denying Lewandowski a second with a wonderful reaction save.
Gotze sealed the result with eight minutes remaining, tapping home a rebound to finally put an end to Poland's chances of rescuing a point.
While the group is far from over just yet, Bleacher Report picks out the winners and losers after the game.
Winner: Mario Gotze (Germany)
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The hero of Germany's World Cup final triumph over Argentina in 2014, Mario Gotze once again came up big when his country needed him.
The Bayern Munich forward struck a right-foot shot beyond Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski in the first half, putting his side 2-0 in front during an impressive opening quarter.
According to OptaFranz on Twitter, his goal pushed him beyond some legendary names on the all-time list of scorers for Germany: "MarioGoetze scored his 15th goal for the DFB_Team, overtaking Beckenbauer, Heynckes and Sammer (14). Attack."
He didn't have to wait too long for his 16th either, tapping home a rebound to calm any German nerves in the closing stages.
Loser: Lukasz Piszczek (Poland)
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Lukasz Piszczek was taken off by Poland shortly before the half-time interval, apparently due to injury.
The full-back has had his fitness issues of late and had only recently returned from a hip problem he had picked up while in action for his club side, Borussia Dortmund.
However, he might also have been relieved to have been taken out of the firing line. The defender found it tough going while he was on the pitch, with Germany consistently attacking down his flank.
Ryan Hubbard summed it up on Twitter: "The back four, especially Piszczek, have almost not turned-up."
Winner: Jonas Hector (Germany)
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Jonas Hector started at left-back for Germany, but the Cologne player was one of his side's most dangerous players in attack.
He played a part in two of the home side's three goals, as revealed on Twitter by WhoScored.com: "Jonas Hector: Has registered more assists vs Poland tonight (2) than he managed in his last 36 league appearances for FC Cologne (1)"
His partnership with team-mate Karim Bellarabi—who was impressive himself before being subbed early in the second half—down the left wing was a major source of joy, unless your name was Lukasz Pisczek.
Loser: Emre Can (Germany)
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While Jonas Hector may now have established himself on the left side of the defence, Germany are still working out who should play on the opposite side of the back line.
Liverpool midfielder Emre Can was given the chance to play at right-back on his international debut.
He had previously been used in that position by his club, but it was a tough ask to fill a role once occupied so brilliantly by former captain Philipp Lahm.
Can was caught out of position for Poland's goal, leaving too much space in behind him. Kamil Grosicki made the most of it, putting in a delightful cross that Robert Lewandowski nodded home.
Winner: Manuel Neuer (Germany)
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Manuel Neuer wasn't particularly busy over the course of the 90 minutes, but he did come up with a big save when his team needed him the most.
Having seen their lead cut in half, Germany's carelessness in possession led to them presenting Robert Lewandowski with a chance not just to double his own tally but also pull Poland level.
However, Neuer came to the rescue, getting a strong arm to turn the powerfully struck shot from his Bayern Munich team-mate over the bar.
You can take a look at the stop yourself, courtesy of the Vine tweeted by goonersteve12.
Loser: Poland's Qualification Hopes
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Poland had gone into the game with a one-point lead at the top of Group D.
They had also beaten Germany 2-0 in the reverse fixture, played in Warsaw last October, raising hope that they could do the double and move within touching distance of qualifying for Euro 2016.
While the defeat isn't a major blow in their bid to make it to the tournament in France next year, it has left them facing a tricky run-in.
Gibraltar shouldn't pose too many problems in their next match, but the Poles then finish with fixtures against Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, the two nations who are right behind them in the standings.
