Germany scored an impressive win over Netherlands on Matchday 2 in Group B. The Germans beat the Dutch 2-0 to be the first team to qualify for the knockout rounds.

Two wonderful goals from Mario Gomez gave Germans 2-0 lead over Netherlands. Although Robin van Persie scored in the second half, it wasn't enough to bring his country into the match.

Netherlands started well in this match. It took only six minutes for them to get their first shot away. Van Bommel played a long ball over the top, van Persie, who was adjudged onside. The Arsenal forward struck the ball first time, but it was straight toward Neuer. Just two minutes later, Germany had their first chance of the match, as van Bommel headed clear a corner which fell to Ozil, the Real Madrid midfielder hit the ball on the volley and struck the post. But thankfully for Holland, the ball came back straight to Stekelenburg, who held on to it.

The Dutch enjoyed most of the possession, but hardly made any telling penetration into the German defense. In fact the Germans looked more dangerous moving forward and in the 23^rd minute of the match Mario Gomez gave them the lead. The Bayern Munich marksman broke the off-side trap as Schweinsteiger played in a lovely through ball to his fit. Gomez turned with grace and finished calmly to give his team a 1-0 lead.

Germany came close to doubling the lead in the 37^th minute but for a superb save by Stekelenburg. Germany got a free-kick on the right side of the field, the free-kick was headed in towards goal by Badstuber from close range, but the Roma custodian made an wonderful save to keep the Dutch in the game. But it a second German goal was almost inevitable.

In the 38^th minute, Germany again started a move down their right hand side as Gomez and Ozil exchanged some quick passes. The ball finally reached Schweinsteiger, and the Bayern Munich man once again played a lovely through ball for Gomez. But the German forward had still much to do, but he hit a wonderful shot on the right hand corner of the net and Stekelenburg was beaten. Germany now lead 2-0 before the half-time.

Netherlands made two changes before the start of the 2^nd half as van der Vaart and Huntelaar came came on replacing van Bommel and Afellay. But the changes didn’t affect the flow of the game as Germans kept possession very comfortably. In the 52^nd minute Hummels was allowed to run into the box unchallenged and get his shot away, the first shot was saved by Stekelenburg and so was the rebound. Soon after this Gomez was taken off for Klose.

Netherlands need some spark from somewhere, and in the 72^nd minute it was provided by Robin van Persie. The Arsenal man collected the ball from Robben on right and made an wonderful turn towards goal, then taking another touch, the Dutchman let fly with his right foot and the ball rifled into the bottom right corner of the net. Holland were suddenly back in it, out of no where.

The Germans brought on Kroos replacing Ozil, to add some defensive steel to the midfield. And although Netherlands threw their last dice, Dirk Kuyt, they were unable to create significant chance as Germany closed out the match. Boateng received a yellow card during the closing period for time wasting, which will keep him out of the next match against Denmark. But then, the Germans have already qualified to the next round after winning this match 2-0.

An efficient performance by Germany, and a lackluster one by Netherlands. The Dutch are now on the brink of being knocked out of the tournament in the group stage itself. So much for being one of the favorites.