Germany 1-0 Portugal

Germany got their Group B campaign off to the perfect start against Portugal thanks to Mario Gomez's second-half header.

Joachim Loew's side were frustrated by Portugal for much of a cagey first half, finding it difficult to break down their stubborn defence. The Germans were limited to long-range efforts with Lukas Podolski guilty of spooning a couple of strikes way over the bar. Mesut Ozil looked threatening but couldn't find a way through and Germany found themselves being forced back over and over again. Portugal were content to sit back and saw little of the ball, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani virtually anonymous, but came closest to breaking the deadlock right on half-time. A corner dropped perfectly for Pepe whose strike hit the bar before landing on - but not over - the line. Portugal were more ambitious after the break, Ronaldo registering his first shot on target in the 49th minute. Ozil was once again pulling the strings for Germany, mesmerising the Portuguese defence before playing in Podolski, Pepe denying him this time. Ronaldo was looking Portugal's biggest threat and seemed certain to get a shot away after being picked out by Silvestre Varela, but fantastic defending from Jerome Boateng denied the Real Madrid player. Germany finally got their breakthrough in the 72nd minute. Sami Khedira's deflected cross dropped on to the head of Gomez, who expertly headed the ball into the far corner. The Germans had their tails up and were inches away from getting a second goal minutes later, Gomez just failing to connect with a cross from Thomas Muller. Portugal pressed hard for an equaliser in the last ten minutes, finally coming out of their shell and looking dangerous. Varela was denied by Manuel Neuer from close range and Nani hit the bar, but Germany saw the game out to get their campaign off to an ideal start.