Mario Gotze double inspires Germany victory over Poland

Mario Gotze scored twice as world champions Germany moved top of Group D after beating Poland in Frankfurt this evening.

Germany were almost in front early on when Karim Bellarabi's shot was deflected inches wide of Lukasz Fabianski's goal.

The world champions managed to find a breakthrough on 11 minutes when Gotze's cross allowed Thomas Muller to tap home from close range.

Soon after, Germany moved two ahead when an enterprising run saw Gotze take on the Polish backline before sending a fizzing strike past the Swansea City stopper.

Mesut Ozil was denied a goal of his own on the half-hour mark after Gotze was deemed to have strayed offside before squaring the ball to the Arsenal midfielder.

Poland managed to pull a goal back on 35 minutes when Kamil Grosicki took advantage of Emre Can being out of position before his cross was headed home by Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern Munich striker almost equalised before the interval, but saw another header cleared off the line by Jonas Hector.

Germany came close to restoring their two-goal lead after the break when Ilkay Gundogan dribbled his way into the Poland area, but the Borussia Dortmund man was dispossessed by Grzegorz Krychowiak before he could pull the trigger.

Gotze then nearly netted his second of the evening when he lifted the ball beyond the onrushing Fabianski, but saw his effort strike the post.

Fabianski needed to be alert to keep his side in the game, as he made another save low down to deny Mats Hummels.

However, Germany finally made sure of three points and top spot in Group D when Gotze scored their third goal with nine minutes remaining.