Gomez scores to give Germany 1-0 win over Portugal

By Nesha Starcevic

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, June 9 2012 2:40 p.m. MDT

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Germany's Mario Gomez celebrates after scoring a goal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group B match between Germany and Portugal in Lviv, Ukraine, Saturday, June 9, 2012.

Martin Meissner, Associated Press

Summary

Mario Gomez made a surprise start and headed in the lone goal for Germany on Saturday in a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Group B of the European Championship.

LVIV, Ukraine — Mario Gomez made a surprise start and headed in the lone goal for Germany on Saturday in a 1-0 victory over Portugal in Group B of the European Championship.

Gomez was moments away from being substituted, with Miroslav Klose already waiting on the touchline, when he rose to knock in a deflected cross from Sami Khedira in the 72nd minute.

Klose did come on the 80th and got to play on his 34th birthday, but not before Gomez nearly got another goal.

Nani hit the crossbar in the 84th, the second time Portugal struck the frame in the match. And Silvestre Varela shot straight at Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from close range in the 89th.

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