Germany 2 Poland 0 (EURO 2008 Babes)

I watched the kickoff at 2:45am, filled with excitement and expectation at the same time. The first 20 minutes were breathtaking stuff. Germany played at full speed, like a runaway train threatening to smash everything in its wake.

This is unlike the Germany before 2006, where they played like machines – efficient. These days, they lack in individual player quality. After Michael Ballack, no other player is really world-class. It is unlike the West German team in 1990 that I started supporting – full of star players. Lothar Matthaus still remains my favorite player of all time.

The Germans have changed their style. It’s more entertaining to watch these days. I was hoping that Mario Gomez notch a goal against the Polish, but like it was pre-scripted, Polish-born Podolski scored 2 strikers goal. The second goal, what a volley!

Their next group match is against Croatia, is potentially tricky tie, but I’m hoping that Germany emerges victorious and set up a clash between Portugal or Czech Republic in the next round.

The favorites has to be Italy, Spain and France. Germany is in it too. Portugal & Holland would be the next ones to consider.