In a sentence
Germany thrash Australia with the tournament’s first “contender’ performance.
Familiarity over class
Based on their domestic records, Klose and Podolski should not form a prolific pair. Yet the level of understanding leads to fine link-up play. Interesting to compare them with Uruguay’s Forlan/Suarez front-line: far more individual quality but a much inferior partnership.
All the attacking threat of a koala
Much has been said about Australia’s creaking defence but it’s hard to see how their attack will score goals against decent sides. They lack a class operator in the centre and a strong centre-forward. Garcia huffed and puffed while Cahill looked isolated before his dismissal.
Dominant and good to watch as well
Germany sides are invariably described as “efficient” and “ruthless” but tonight they earned “attractive”. Much of this was due to the flair of Ozil who is going to attract plenty of interest.
A crackdown on simulation
Referee Rodriguez booked Ozil and Cacau for diving and both calls seemed to be spot-on. Is this a one-man Mexican crusade or will we see more of this during the tournament?
The moment – Germany’s third
Muller’s precise finish was the pick of the bunch and ended distant Aussie hopes.
What next?
Germany were good but their next two games will be harder. A fired-up Serbia, needing at least a point to stay in contention, will hold the Germans to a draw. Australia are in danger of suffering serious harm in what is increasingly being recognised as the tournament’s “Group of Death”. They won’t win a game.
Also See:
Germany 4-0 Australia: Goals & Match Highlights
Germany v Australia Preview
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