Euro 2008: Germany Wins First Game as Striker Podolski Finds Net Twice

The German national team was coming off two sub-par performances, but they showed no signs of it on Sunday evening's 2-0 win over Poland. Polish-born striker Lukas Podolski found the back of the net against his homeland twice to defeat the Poles.

This was a nice win for the Germans to get after being tabbed the favorites just a couple days ago. In fact, even Podolski found solace in the victory, as his father and uncle are still living in Poland.

However, it will be difficult to see how much this game carries over to a Thursday showdown with Croatia, who also won today, defeating Austria 1-0. Poland is considered one of the weakest teams at Euro 2008, so while the win counts just as much as any other, the Germans can't be complacent.

Podolski, normally a striker, but used today as a left midfielder, made coach Joachim Loew look like a genius. He netted his first goal in the 20th minute, followed by a 73rd minute blast.

As a whole, the team played quite well. Passing from the midfield was key, especially a number of efficient through-balls from captain Michael Ballack.

The game against Croatia, however, may expose of Germany's biggest flaws: their defense. Although it looked good today against the weak Poles, Croatia has an electric scorer in Luka Modric. Modric pumped in a penalty kick that proved the different today against Austria, and is known for finding a way to get the ball between the pipes.

If the Germans can keep Modric contained, it could mean a 2-0 start.

Not to toot my own horn, but I'm pretty sure I predicted the 2-0 victory over Poland!

Keep working hard, Deutschland, your time as Euro champions will come!