Germany vs. Poland: Score and Twitter Reaction from Euro 2016

Germany and Poland played out a dull goalless draw in Group C of UEFA Euro 2016 on Thursday at the Stade de France in Paris, as both teams struggled in the final third of the pitch.

Poland had several chances to sting the Germans through the course of the match but could not find the finish when it mattered most.

The game developed into one of the tournament's worst spectacles as the combatants settled for a 0-0 draw in France's national stadium in the capital.

Shkodran Mustafi was dropped by Germany despite opening the scoring in their win over Ukraine in their first match. Mats Hummels regained fitness to once again start and took his place alongside Jerome Boateng in defence.

There were two changes for Poland as Lukasz Fabianski was selected ahead of his former Arsenal team-mate Wojciech Szczesny—who has been ruled out due to a thigh injury. Bartosz Kapustka impressed against Northern Ireland, but Kamil Grosicki regained his fitness to start in midfield for the Poles.

There was a menace about the world champions in the opening exchanges as Mario Gotze and Jonas Hector fired shots, but their vibrant start wasn't to last. 

Poland pushed forward through Robert Lewandowski, but both teams appeared limited through the attacking channels.

Manchester Evening News football writer Hesham Bilal-Hafiz stated he's not impressed by Die Mannschaft as the Germans struggled to create through the first half with little urgency:

The match failed to spark excitement as it suffered as a spectacle, with both teams jostling and fighting for slim advantages across the pitch.

Presenter James May quipped at what was a dull first half of football, as a number of players fell to the ground:

FourFourTwo Stats Zone displayed the Germans' wider tactics but highlighted how their opponents were comfortable in defence:

The match had an end of season feel to it as both sides struggled to find their best form.

The watching Germany fans were also muted, but journalist Gabriele Marcotti tipped his hat towards the Polish travelling support.

Poland should have taken the lead in the opening seconds of the second half; Ajax's Arkadiusz Milik was found free in the box, but the attacker fluffed his lines as he stooped to head the ball home. 

The opportunity gave the Poles hope, but Germany resumed their possession game safe in the knowledge that a point would be satisfactory.

Lewandowski appeared isolated on the shoulder of of Hummels, and his lack of involvement hamstrung his side as they attacked.

Columnist Tim Stillman passed comment on Germany's issue in attack, comparing their stock to England's selection:

Milik watched his shot flash past Manuel Neuer's post on the hour-mark as Poland worked a set piece, and Boateng made a crucial tackle seconds later as he stopped Lewandowski from scoring as the striker sprinted through the centre.

Poland continued to soak up Germany's waves of pressure, but the pedestrian nature of the world champions left their fans wanting.

Germany made a switch in the 65th minute as the ineffective Gotze was sacrificed for the mobility of Andre Schurrle.

Once again, Milik should have given his side the lead as he wasted yet another gilt-edged opportunity in front of Neuer. Ozil almost punished Milik and Poland with a rasping left-footed strike from inside the box seconds later, but Fabianski made a fine save to turn the ball over the bar. 

The final minutes of the game fizzled out as Germany failed to show any ruthlessness in the box.

Both teams will be satisfied with a point, but Northern Ireland's win against the Ukraine could complicate a top-two finish for Germany and Poland in the final group games.  

Post-Match Reaction

Joachim Low praised his defence after the match and appeared unconcerned by Poland's chances to win the encounter, according to Germany's official Twitter feed:

 The draw with Poland sees the Ukraine become the first team to be eliminated from Euro 2016 after their defeat to Northern Ireland on Thursday.