Ireland got things off to an energetic start and pushed Germany early, but as you would expect the Germans settled in and took control of affairs by the 15 minute mark. That's not to say Ireland didn't threaten at times, they did, but in general it was like a cat playing with a mouse, the end result is inevitable.
Ireland vs. Germany: Halftime score 2-0, Reus brace puts Germans ahead
When Ireland were able to look dangerous it was after an intercepted pass that the Irish hoofed forward with a long ball, attempting to catch the high-lined German defense out. They got close a couple times, but either the defense or Manuel Neuer were able to clear the danger.
Germany were denied a clear penalty in the 30th minute after John O'Shea yanked down Marco Reus in the box, but the referee was way out of position and showed a yellow card to Reus for diving. Just a horrible decision by the official that left Reus laughing in disbelief.
Of course the best way to deal with that is just go score a goal anway, which Reus did roughly two minutes later. After Marcel Schmelzer’s ball in to the box was not cleared by Ireland, a lurking Reus charged up and buried a lovely shot over the right shoulder of Kieren Westwood to give Germany a 1-0 lead.
Reus was clearly still displeased by the earlier card and punished Ireland again in thr 40th minute. Mesut Özil absolutely abused James McCartthy in the midfield to start a break, before sending a pass to Jerome Boateng on the right wing. Boateng picked out Reus with a great cross-field pass and Reus beat Westwood with a low, laser beam shot that snuck in side the far post.
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