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Today proved a cakewalk for Germany in a game touted to be one of the toughest. Aside from their sheer control of proceedings, they were given an early leg-up due to Pereira’s early indiscretion giving away the penalty, which Muller capitalised on.
Hummels then presented a great head to a corner for the game’s best goal. The third was poor clearing by Bruno Alves, which Muller finished. Finally, Muller had the easiest of tap-ins after Rui Patricio spilled the cross from Schurrle.
In the midst of that, the other talking point was Pepe’s red card, which denied Portugal any realistic hope of a comeback.
FULL TIME: GERMANY 4-0 PORTUGAL
In a first round of high profile matchups, it is Germany and Portugal’s turn to begin their campaign on the coastal city of Salvador. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00am (AEST) on Tuesday morning.
It is a battle between two sides so contrasting in their ideals. In a side laden full of bona fide stars, it would be foolish to single out any specific member of the German team as their chief instigator.
On the other hand, it is nigh impossible to imagine a successful Portugal team that doesn’t have the fingerprints of Cristiano Ronaldo all over it.
Far from being a one-man threat, Portugal know who their main man is, and that man is not only their skipper, but knows he is the one to push Portugal’s engines this World Cup.
While “selfish” and “petulant” are apt terms, the primary one that comes to mind is “ridiculously good”. Before a ball is kicked, Ronaldo knows his ability can fire Portugal to a maiden World Cup, with some help from his friends in the Seleccao das Quinas.
Ronaldo aside, Portugal can claim a potent midfield, which is lead by Joao Moutinho and Raul Meireles. Width will come courtesy of Miguel Veloso and Manchester United’s Nani. In defence, Pepe is their primary organizer, while both Fabio Coentrao and Joao Pereira have attacking mindsets.
But any team that has Ronaldo in it has merely one function – to put Ronaldo in goal scoring positions, and Paulo Bento and his players know their captain remains their focal point.
Portugal’s strength is Germany’s weakness. At 36, Miroslav Klose will once again be Die Nationalmannschaft’s chief goal threat – which makes Joachim Löw’s decision to drop Mario Gomez all the more surprising.
One thing Klose won’t complain of is a lack of service. Possessing the likes of Özil, Khedira, and Müller, Germany can claim the most outstanding midfield in the tournament. Anchoring midfield is the maestro Bastian Schweinsteiger, while captain Philipp Lahm will lead the defence. But if there isn’t a clear identifiable star in the German ranks, it is for good reason.
A young and inexperienced team took Germany to a fine third place in South Africa four years ago. Now possessing a team of individuals with undeniable quality in a team known to be everpresent contenders, Germany are Europe’s best chance of winning a World Cup on South American soil.
Before any victory march in the Maracana can happen, Portugal await first. And after that is Ghana and the United States, in a group where every match can be considered knockout football – and that is what Germany excels in.
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