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Wed 06 Jun 2006Germany make hard work of Poland win Germany 1 Poland 0: Germany grabbed a late winner to defeat gutsy Poland 1-0 thanks to an Oliver Neuville goal in injury time in a tense, bruising Group A encounter.The hosts, looking for a second successive win, had a series of chances and hit the bar twice through substitute Neuville and captain Michael Ballack in a desperate attempt to score.    Just when it looked as if they would have to settle for a draw Neuville popped up in the area to score the winner and leave Germany top of the group with six points from two wins.    Poland, who played the last 15 minutes with 10 men, battled gamely against their near neighbours but were left heartbroken by Germany's last-gasp goal.    The Poles, who succumbed weakly 2-0 to Ecuador in their opener, battled manfully but never looked like scoring and with one group game left face another first round exit.    It was a World Cup occasion to savour as the two sets of fans in the 65,000 capacity stadium produced a wall of noise.    Poland, who had not beaten their neighbours and fierce rivals in 14 attempts spanning 85 years, snapped into the tackle at every opportunity in a high-paced opening.