Germany got off to a winning start at Euro 2012 after a forgettable 1-0 Group B success over Portugal in Lviv on Saturday.
Portugal had come close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time when Pepe's side-footed attempt bounced off the underside of the crossbar and on to the line.
With Germany unable to break the deadlock, Germany coach Joachim Löw seemed set to provide a spark by readying Miroslav Klose on the sidelines with 72 minutes gone, with the departure of Mario Gómez appearing imminent.
But no substitution was made because after Sami Khedira floated in a cross from the right towards Gómez, the striker climbed above Pepe to head Germany into the lead.
Portugal had to up their attacking game and threatened more in the final 10 minutes than they had in the previous 80, but the Germans hung on to win the match.
The win puts Germany level on three points in Group B with Denmark, who also won their opening game against favourites the Netherlands.
Lineups:
Germany: Manuel Neuer; Jérôme Boateng, Mats Hummels, Holger Badstuber, Philipp Lahm; Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger; Thomas Müller (Lars Bender, 90), Mesut Özil (Toni Kroos, 87), Lukas Podolski; Mario Gómez (Miroslav Klose, 80)
Portugal: Rui Patrício; João Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fábio Coentrão; Raul Meireles (Silvestre Varela, 80), Miguel Veloso, João Moutinho; Nani, Hélder Postiga (Nélson Oliveira, 70), Cristiano Ronaldo
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| Germany striker Mario Gómez heads the ball to score against Portugal Photo: Getty Images |
Portugal had come close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time when Pepe's side-footed attempt bounced off the underside of the crossbar and on to the line.
With Germany unable to break the deadlock, Germany coach Joachim Löw seemed set to provide a spark by readying Miroslav Klose on the sidelines with 72 minutes gone, with the departure of Mario Gómez appearing imminent.
But no substitution was made because after Sami Khedira floated in a cross from the right towards Gómez, the striker climbed above Pepe to head Germany into the lead.
Portugal had to up their attacking game and threatened more in the final 10 minutes than they had in the previous 80, but the Germans hung on to win the match.
The win puts Germany level on three points in Group B with Denmark, who also won their opening game against favourites the Netherlands.
Lineups:
Germany: Manuel Neuer; Jérôme Boateng, Mats Hummels, Holger Badstuber, Philipp Lahm; Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger; Thomas Müller (Lars Bender, 90), Mesut Özil (Toni Kroos, 87), Lukas Podolski; Mario Gómez (Miroslav Klose, 80)
Portugal: Rui Patrício; João Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fábio Coentrão; Raul Meireles (Silvestre Varela, 80), Miguel Veloso, João Moutinho; Nani, Hélder Postiga (Nélson Oliveira, 70), Cristiano Ronaldo
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