Beenhakker says first Germany goal was a killer

By Alexandra Hudson

KLAGENFURT (Reuters) - Poland coach Leo Beenhakker said his team had matched Germany for 70 minutes on Sunday but conceding the first goal in the 2-0 defeat was a killer.

"We are very disappointed. We started the match well...the goal they got was a killer especially because when it is a clear goal then generally you can accept it and go on."

"If you have doubts about the goal then you feel it as a team and you take a bit of time to get over this moment and start again," he added after their Group B opener.

Lukas Podolski scored for Germany after 20 minutes from a square pass by Miroslav Klose who ran clear from a Mario Gomez through ball that may have been marginally offside.

"There was some question if it was offside or not. It was a close call. It could have gone either way," said Beenhakker.

Polish-born forward Podolski grabbed a second goal in the 72nd minute to end Germany's 12-year wait for a victory at the European Championship finals.

"The second goal was a result of being down 1-0. We were attacking, there was a possibility at least for us to try to get a goal," said Beenhakker. "After the second goal it was over... but we played 70 minutes on more or less the same level."

"We are still in the tournament. You only have three or four days to recover, you have to do this in a physical and a mental way. Of course, everyone is a little bit upset now... but they will start to build up again.. and they will be ready again."