Germany an unstoppable 'machine', admits Ukraine boss

Lille (France) (AFP) – Ukraine boss Mykhaylo Fomenko hailed world champions Germany as a “machine” after his side lost their first Euro 2016 game 2-0 on Sunday.

“Germany are a machine, their team is full of great players,” said Fomenko.

“There are no surprises with this team. A machine is a machine.”

Shkodran Mustafi’s early header and Bastian Schweinsteiger’s first international goal for five years in stoppage time got Germany off to a flier in Group C in Lille.

However, they had to toil for long spells as Ukraine threatened an equaliser, particularly in the latter stages of the first-half.

Manuel Neuer made a fine save from Yevhen Khacheridi, whilst Jerome Boateng made a spectacular acrobatic clearance of his own line.

Fomenko believes his players’ confidence will be intact when they face Northern Ireland on Thursday.

“We understand of course that it is going to be very difficult when you play in a game against Germany.

“We have to forget about it now and move onto the next match.

“I think physically and mentally everything will be ok for the next match.

“The most important thing is the next game and our chance to win the next game.”