Euro 2012 day six analysis: Super Mario shows Dutch how it's done

 

Germany's 2-1 win over the Netherlands can be viewed as a tale of two strikers.

Mesut Ozil and Mario Gomez

Euro 2012: Mario Gomez doubles Germany's lead against Netherlands

By the time Robin van Persie had put his problems in front of goal behind him, Mario Gomez had fired Germany to the brink of the last eight.

Such was the clinical nature of Gomez's display that at the point his second goal went in, he had had the fewest touches of the ball of any player on the pitch.

Two goals against the Dutch followed his strike in the 1-0 victory over Portugal, when he was about to be substituted before scoring the winner.

Gomez, who scored 41 goals in 52 games for Bayern Munich last season, has also recovered from missing a host of chances in the Champions League final, which his side lost to Chelsea on penalties.

BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Chris Waddle analyse Gomez's performance.

Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer on Match of the Day

"For the first goal, he gets in between the centre-halves, but he still has a lot to do. It was a brilliant touch and an equally good finish.

"The second was great centre-forward play because he trusts Mueller, who wins the ball. From there, he wants to get in the box and gets a lovely ball from Schweinsteiger. He doesn't even look because he knows where the goal is. It's a brilliant, brilliant finish.

"An identical thing happened in the second half. He gambled on another Mueller flick and was able to create another opportunity. Overall, Gomez was the big difference."

Chris Waddle on Radio 5 live

"At the minute Gomez is very confident, having scored lots of goals for Bayern. He's always there. He's a box player, he's dangerous in the air and he can finish.

"For his first goal, the turn was absolutely fantastic. The Netherlands were playing for offside and were holding a line, but Gomez span and was definitely onside. Great goal."

Gomez's performance in numbers

Van Persie-Gomez comparison
  • Gomez was in possession for only 18 seconds in the match but managed three shots, two of which were on target and hit the back of the net
  • When he scored his second on the night, he had scored three goals from five shots in the tournament. At Euro 2008, he took five shots but failed to score
  • Gomez's performance can be compared to Andriy Shevchenko's display against Sweden. The Ukraine striker scored twice despite being in possession of the ball for only 15 seconds
  • Gomez's two-goal haul was the fifth brace of Euro 2012, already more than Euro 2008
  • The Netherlands had 58.33% of possession in the first half, yet Germany went to the break 2-0 up. In the second half, with the Germans protecting a lead, the Dutch only had 46% of possession
  • The Netherlands' defeat, coupled with the opening loss to Denmark, is the first time they have lost back-to-back matches at a tournament since the 1998 World Cup

What they said about Gomez:

"The Germans are so clinical. Gomez is stunning." - Martin Keown

"He comes alive when the ball comes into the area. The first goal is a great take, a great touch, and he just passes it into the back of the net. Quality." - Mark Lawrenson

"My goal against Portugal was very important for me. The coach and the important players always backed me, and that was important, because the last three days were very difficult for me. Despite my goal I was criticised very harshly." - Mario Gomez

"Mario scored two goals from two chances. It shows his class. He got the winner against Portugal. He is doing his job." - Germany coach Joachim Loew.

"Two great goals" - Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart