Germany deservedly beat Netherlands 2-1 in Kharkiv to leave the Dutch facing an early exit from Euro 2012.

On seven minutes, the first effort on goal came from Robin van Persie, though his attempt was saved by Manuel Neuer.

Germany began to press the Dutch soon after, with Mesut Ozil hitting the post with a long-range shot, with Maarten Stekelenburg gathering the ball.

Joachim Löw's side took the lead on 24 minutes, with a goal from Mario Gomez. The striker showed great first touch and composure in front of goal after Bastian Schweinsteiger played him in.

The Netherlands struggled to gain a foothold in the game, with Germany dominating proceedings.

It should have been 2-0 on 37 minutes after a free-kick was swung in onto Holger Badstuber's head, however, the defender headed the ball straight at Stekelenburg from five yards out.

A minute later, Gomez did grab the second for Germany. Another perfectly weighted pass from Schweinsteiger released the Bayern Munich forward, who finished perfectly.

The whistle blew for half time, with Germany fully deserving their lead.

The second half began with changes for the Dutch, Mark Van Bommel and Ibrahim Afellay were replaced by Rafael van der Vaart and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Germany resumed their patient approach, keeping possession and hitting Netherlands on the break.

On 53 minutes, Mats Hummels drove from the back and hit a shot from the 18-yard line, though Stekelenburg saved his shot. The defender had a second attempt from the rebound, but the goalkeeper was equal to that, too.

Netherlands began to work their way back into the game, offering much more going forward.

Wesley Sneijder had an attempt on 71 minutes, but his strike was bravely blocked by Jerome Boateng.

Two minutes later, the Dutch got themselves back in the game after Sneijder played in Van Persie, who finished well to make it 2-1.

Netherlands tried to grab a late equaliser, but Germany kept hold of the ball well to frustrate the Oranje.

Stekelenburg nearly gifted Germany with a third goal, letting the ball run across his box and almost allowing Miroslav Klose to make it 3-1.

Netherlands could not get the equaliser they needed as Germany secured the win to take them to the top of the group on six points.