Germany came flying out the traps against Russia, storming into a eighth minute lead with a well worked opener. Schweinsteiger’s backheel fell into the path of Klose, he fed Podolski, and after a neat turn the Bayern striker hit his 31st goal for for his country. Germany then extended their lead after dominating the early stages, Schweinsteiger’s tidy cross in the box found Michael Ballack who turned the ball home at the back post. Jogi Low then took a load off as half time approached. But after the break Phillip Lahm lost concentration and the ball to Anlukov, and the full back threaded a beautiful pass to Arshavin who pulled a goal back after the 51st minute. The Russians pressurised heavily in the final stages, but Gemrany hung on the record the win.
Partita spettacolare, che premia i tedeschi, autori di un primo tempo da incorniciare. Non a caso chiuso sul 2-0. Podolski e Ballack, autori dei gol, fanno impazzire la difesa di Hiddink, che potrebbe subire ancora di più. Il lampo di Arshavin accende la partita a inizio ripresa. Le azioni pericolose si susseguono (un palo per parte), ma alla fine il risultato non cambia.