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Germany coach Low hails forwards after Poland win

09/06/2008

Germany coach Joachim Low has praised his entire forward line after seeing his side record a win in their opening match of Euro 2008 against Poland.

Polish-born striker Lukas Podolski grabbed both goals in a relatively comfortable 2-0 success for the pre-tournament favourites.

But Low, who is taking charge of the national side for the first time at a major tournament, chose not to single out Podolski for praise after the win.

"The whole team, not just Lukas Podolski, played well," he said afterwards.

"We know Lukas is a very dangerous attacker for any goalkeeper, but Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose helped him immensely."

Gomez, who is half-Spanish, and Poland-born Klose came close with chances of their own but it was Podolski's predatory instincts that always looked to pose the greatest threat to the underdogs.

But despite enjoying a superb day, Podolski refused to celebrate either goal because of his family heritage.

"I didn't celebrate very much because I was born in Poland, I have a big family there, and you have to have some respect for the land," he told the BBC.