Miroslav Klose and Podolski - two of three Poland-born players in the Germany squad - combined in the 20th minute for the latter to put the 1996 European champions ahead, before Podolski sealed the win midway through the second half.

The victory continued Germany's impressive unbeaten record against the Poles, which now stands at 12 wins and four draws, and saw them replace Croatia at the top of Group B.

Meanwhile, Croatia got their Euro 2008 campaign off to a winning start when Luka Modric’s early penalty proved enough to beat co-hosts Austria 1-0 in the opening game of Group B.

Ivica Olic was chasing a hopeful ball towards the byline when he was clumsily brought down by Austria’s Rene Aufhauser in the penalty box in the early minutes of the game and Modric converted the spot kick straight down the middle.

Austrians played well in the second half in the hope of equalising the scoring, but their efforts did not pay off.

Group C matches start on June 10, with Romania vs France and the Netherlands vs Italy.