Thomas Mueller’s hat-trick inspired Germany to a ruthless 4-0 mauling of 10-man Portugal in their FIFA World Cup opener on Monday, hammering home their credentials as serious title contenders in Brazil.
Billed as a clash of European heavyweights, the German side stayed cool and clinical in the soaring Salvador heat to deliver a sizzling attacking display against a limp Portugal squad, effectively ending the Group G game by halftime.
Portugal could not cope with the pace and movement of their much better organized, fitter-looking rivals and were 3-0 down by the interval as Mueller scored either side of a thumping Mats Hummels header to mark his 50th international in style.
Photo: AFP
“Three goals in one match, in the opening match against such an opponent is just great,” said the Bayern Munich striker, whose side are bidding to end a 18-year title drought.
Portugal coach Paulo Bento had feared the impact of the lunchtime heat, but his game plan failed to match Germany’s, who went for a fast start before energy levels fell, with interchanging forwards Mario Goetze, Mueller and Mesut Ozil all causing havoc.
“We dominated the first half in the midfield with fast through balls to the strikers. We were clinical in finishing our chances, we had four goals from about six chances,” Germany coach Joachim Loew said.
Photo: Reuters
In their 100th World Cup match — the first team to reach the milestone — Germany were in the mood to celebrate and went 1-0 up on 12 minutes through a Mueller penalty after Goetze wriggled away from Joao Pereira and was hauled down.
Hummels, who later limped off injured, powered home the second from a corner on 32 minutes, before Mueller — top scorer at the 2010 event — stole in ahead of a sleepy Bruno Alves to smash in the third.
Recovery was made all the harder for Portugal by a needless 37th minute red card for Pepe. The defender, furious at what he felt was “simulation” by Mueller following a slight collision between the two, was sent off for pushing his head into the German’s as he sat on the ground.
A poor qualifying campaign meant Portugal had to arrive in Brazil via a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired playoff win over Sweden, but their talisman and main goal threat could do little to impact proceedings at the Arena Fonte Nova, cutting a frustrated figure throughout.
Much had been made of his inclusion after injury problems and although he began the day to wild screams at the mere mention of his name, jeers soon rang out as his infrequent touches came to little.
With German Chancellor Angela Merkel watching in the crowd, it was Mueller who enjoyed the crowd’s appreciation, completing the first hat-trick of the tournament after 78 minutes when he prodded home a Andre Schuerrle cross. It was only the second hat-trick of the past three World Cups.
Low points for Portugal included goalkeeper Rui Patricio lazily presenting Sami Khedira with an open goal and Nani and Fabio Coentrao tackling each other on a rare foray into Germany’s box.
The rout extended Germany’s run of having won every opening World Cup match since 1990 and they have scored at least four goals in five of those seven games.
For Portugal, who had only conceded once in their past six World Cup group games, the loss left qualification in the balance with games against the US and Ghana to come.
Before the game began, Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski was already was winner, when he delivered on his pre-match vow to get a selfie with Merkel.
The 29-year-old Gunners star seized his chance when she visited the team dressing room to congratulate them on the win.
“4-0 win, awesome start! And here the promised Selfie with the chancellor,” he posted on Twitter alongside a picture of him beaming next to the German leader.
Merkel’s press spokesman Steffan Seibert later posted a photo on Twitter of Merkel with the whole team. The chanceloor has made a habit of visiting the national team after matches.
Her popularity at home soared when pictures of her enthusiastically celebrating a World Cup win in 2006 — which Germany hosted — were published by daily Bild.
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