Gomez double inflicts more pain on Dutch

Germany moved to the brink of the quarter-finals after two predatory Mario Gomez strikes gave them a 2-1 win over Holland.

The Germans, having started off by beating Portugal, made it two wins in two while the Dutch are reeling and almost out having already lost to Denmark.

Gomez gave the Germans the lead after 24 minutes with a fine goal to add to his winner against Portugal. And 13 minutes later he delivered a crushing blow to the Dutch with a rising drive after another Schweinsteiger assist.

Robin van Persie crashed home a drive on the turn for the Dutch as they shrugged off a poor first-half performance but they were unable to conjure anything more.

Germany now need only a point in their final group match against the Danes while the previously favoured Dutch, champions in 1988, must beat Portugal to have any hope of advancing.