German super-sub Schweinsteiger ‘can’t play 90 minutes yet’

Bastian Schweinsteiger marked his return from injury with the match-sealing goal as Germany opened their Euro 2016 campaign with a 2-0 win over Ukraine.

After a goalless first half, a Jakub Blaszczykowski cross found Milik in the penalty area in the 51st minute and the forward blasted his left-foot shot through defender Craig Cathcart’s legs and into the net.

Ukraine did cause Germany a scare shortly before half-time as Yevhen Konoplyanka forced Jerome Boateng into an acrobatic clearance off the line in the 37th minute.

With seven defeats in 18 games since winning the World Cup in Brazil two years ago, including against Republic of Ireland and England, the three-time European champions have looked shaky by their usual standards. It was his first goal from open play for Germany since August 2009, and he celebrated in style.

Valencia defender Mustafi powered home the opener from Toni Kroos s free-kick after just 19 minutes of Sunday s game.

Manuel Neuer is the best keeper in the world and I told him this the other day.

Referee Martin Atkinson didn’t need the technology on Sunday, immediately waving the Ukraine players’ protests away. We got it together in the end, though.

Germany went in search of a killer second goal after the break and a 30-yard Kroos drive clipped the angle of the goal.

Another brilliant pass from the former Bayern Munich player should have led to Germany doubling their lead but Sami Khedira’s shot was straight at Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.

However, the absence of the injured Mats Hummels and Antonio Ruediger played into German hands for the opening goal as Mustafi made the most of his chance to start in their absence with a bullet header from Kroos s free-kick.

Germany goalscorer Bastian Schweinsteiger: “It’s just incredible”.

“My injury was healed, I feel very good”.

The Germans, eyeing their fourth Euro triumph but first since 1996, have never lost an opening match at the European Championship and are aware a slip-up could prove costly.

Germany will draw confidence from Schweinsteiger’s never-say-die attitude, with the holding midfielder’s presence crucial to the team’s overall spirit. I think if I stay healthy I’ll be able to play.

The result leaves Joachim Low’s side level with Poland on three points following the first round of games in Group C. They are full of great players and my players knew they would be up against a team of very high quality.

Loew came into the tournament with issues in defence and their normally unshakeable rearguard looked decidedly wobbly – and barring one important save from Andriy Pyatov, the remainder of the half belonged to the Ukranians.

Germany will play joint group leaders Poland at the Stade de France on Thursday, when Ukraine take on Northern Ireland in Lyon.