In Salvador, Brazil, Thomas Muller netted a hat trick as Germany opened play for Group G (also know as Group of Death) with a 4-0 victory over Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova.
A Joao Pereira foul on Mario Gotze in the penalty box, one that denied him of a clear goal-scoring opportunity, gave the Germans the early 1-0 lead. Pereira was lucky to escape with only a yellow card, but Portugal wasn’t so lucky as the Germans would continue to score. Thomas Muller left little doubts with his penalty. Matt Hummels doubled the advantage with a great header, giving Germany a 2-0 lead.
In minute 37, the referee would give Pepe a red card for the head butt shown above. A yellow card would have been suffice but Mazic believed it was best for Pepe to hit the showers early. Any chances of Portugal coming back would then diminish.
The man of the match was no doubt Thomas Muller, who scored 3 goals and helped his teammates in earning 3 points and for getting the best out of Pepe.
Germany is as good as advertised. The team doesn’t defend, they swarm. Any opportunity of a counter attack from Portugal was quickly sniffed and handle out by Germany’s midfield. Ghana and the United States should pose little threat to the Germans. Advancement into the round of 16 is a for sure thing for Germany.
Germany travels Fortaleza to face Ghana on June 21, while Portugal looks to gain its first victory over the United States in Manaus on June 22nd.
