Germany 4 Greece 2

First of all, please note that I will refrain from drawing political parallels between tonight's events at Euro 2012 and topical matters in the Eurozone.  In my mind, this was a football match - nothing more, and nothing less!

In the end, the scoreline flattered the Greek team, although I did not feel that their performance was quite as dismal as some others are making out.

The decision by Germany to leave some of their main forward players on the bench may have occurred to some as foolhardy, dismissive even, but it was surely based on a realistic and honest appraisal of the respective merits of the two squads, and with an eye on more stringent challenges to follow (Italy/England, and then probably Spain).  I had been slightly sceptical about the strength in depth of this current German set-up, but many of those fears were allayed this evening.  The youngsters looked a touch raw, but brimming with potential.

Even with a "weakened" starting line-up, Germany still looked to have bounteous options available to them as the opening minutes unfolded, and their main dangers appeared to be over-elaboration in build-up play, and general complacency, sloppiness and resultant frustration. Watching the match on television, I kept urging them to try shots on goal, rather than attempt yet more passes.  Eventually, Philipp Lahm tried one from distance, and it opened the scoring. On the question of Lahm, it is always gratifying, in this age of muscle-bound "identikit" football athletes, to see a player of diminutive stature prosper at the highest level.

Many expressed astonishment when Greece levelled the scores through Giorgios Samaras. However, from quite early in the first half I felt that Germany looked a little susceptible to a quick break or counter-attack, provided that the Greeks could make such a move stick. This German team may have more flair and fluidity than its predecessors, but there is reason to suspect that they are less resilient and solid in defensive areas.

The first Greek goal, though, did not change most of the fundamentals, and the Germans were quick to re-establish their superiority.  Sami Khedira may not receive the same hoop-la as some of his colleagues, but his goal showed real style and technique.

It looked at one point as though the scoreline could become embarrassing, but Greek showed some steel and resolve, and Germany had to be content with four goals.

So how do we assess Germany as they advance to the semi-finals?  Admittedly, Greece were not brilliant, but equally one has to take account of the personnel deployed by Germany in this match.  They expedited their task with some elan and vigour.  The fringe players and substitutes offered us a glimpse of the future (and current) riches at Joachim Loew's disposal.

This German side is still developing, improving and blossoming, and the untapped potential in this generation of players seems limitless. By contrast Spain, arguably the other likely finalists in Euro 2012, seem to have reached a plateau of sorts, with nowhere else to go but downwards. Both teams have a plethora of gifted and adaptable midfielders.  A message there, surely?

Germany must be counted as potential winners of the tournament, but both of their prospective semi-final opponents, Italy and England, will provide stern opposition.