Roos Get Müllered!

There have been complaints from football fans about the lack of goals this tournament seems to be suffering from. Maybe it's because these are the first few games or the heat's getting to the players. Not sure. But it certainly wasn't as goal dry in Germany in 2006. I distinctively remember Germany's 4-2 win over Costa Rica - that was the first game and Philip Lahm, amongst others, scored a cracker that day! It was the first of that tournament, and plenty more were to come. Remember Argentina's 6-0 demolition of Serbia and Montenegro?! Well clearly Germany hadn't realised that goals were being kept to a minimum as they took to the field for the first time last night to face new boys Australia.

Of course, Australia are not proper newbies. They have been in this competition before, and to their credit did much better than expected at the last world cup but compared to three times winners Germany, they did appear out of their depth more than once during the late night encounter. People have been stupid to discount the Germans, even during the 2006 world cup, held in their own country. They finished in third place, losing to eventual winners Italy. This year, with inspirational captain Michael Ballack out and no Kahn or Lehmann in goal, many people have ruled out Germany as potential contenders for the trophy. Big mistake based on last night's performance.

Germany proved why they shouldn't be considered lightly. They may be missing several key experienced players through retirement or injury including Frings, Metzelder, Kuranyi etc. but their youthfulness is exactly what tore apart an experienced and ageing Australian side. From the off, the game started with a high tempo and Germany were keen to get things moving and attack from the outset. They passed the ball around with such ease and accuracy and were able to cut through Australia's defence far too easily. They had such great balls in. I was so impressed by Lahm. I have always been an admirer of this right back and leading the side as captain, he proved why he is Germany's Mr. Reliable. At some points during the game, I spotted him all the way down the right wing... in Australia's third! Germany were up and running in the 8th minute with Lukas Podolski's strike putting them ahead after a great pass from Muller. That's the other thing I have noticed, there have been a lot of early goals in the tournament so far too. Podolski's goal was closely (haha) followed up by Klose after an awesome pass from Philip Lahm. The 2 scorers for Germany seem to be continuing on from their good goalscoring record in Germany 2006. It was nice to see some familiar faces from that tournament! In fact Klose is just 2 goals away from levelling the world record for the most goals scored in world cup tournaments.

Special mentions have got to go to Mesut Ozil. He was their star man in that first half and for most of the second half too, until he was substituted. He was really great playing in centre midfield. His passes and vision was superb and he managed to come close to adding his name on the scoresheet. Victory was pretty much sealed for Germany when Cahill received a straight red right at the start of the second half. Losing their front man in what looked a very harsh decision was the bitter blow. I thought it was pretty harsh initially and the replays seem to confirm this. He didn't really do too much to Schweinsteiger - just barged into him a bit, but I've seen much worse that has gone unpunished without even a yellow card. The referees, on the whole have all seemed to be pretty consistent and haven't made any really controversial decisions. However, controversial decisions are as much a part of any world cup tournament as penalties, so I guess controversy will follow later...it is inevitable after all! (By the way, Cahill's red card was the third off the day, with two others in each of the other 2 matches, earlier on. Point of note: each of the sides with the red card went on to subsequently lose the game).

Anyway, once Cahill was sent off, the Australians were unable to get many men forward and try and get something out of the game. There was always the danger that if they pushed onward, they would be vulnerable at the back. This proved to be the case as Germany were able to score a further two goals. It was total German vorherrschaft (domination) and a masterful display with the ball stuck in the Australian half. This time it was the turn of Bayern Munich's Muller and the Brazilian born Cacau to score and round of a comprehensive 4-0 rout. Ozil had once again been central to the play in Cacau's goal - that man's definitely one to watch in this tournament.

Joachim Low decided 4 was enough and opted to substitute off their star players. This slowed down the play a lot and actually allowed Australia to have more off the ball. Australia had most of the possession and chances in the latter half but ultimately, didn't do enough to trouble Neuer in goal. In fact, Neuer had a pretty relaxed evening. So, the Germans went top of their group and produced a solid display of attractive, attacking football. It has been said that people shouldn't read too much into their win - after all it was against a weak (and after the sending off, weakened) Australian side. Questions have been raised about how well the Germans will perform against better opposition. Whatever your opinion, there's one thing to be learnt from their performance last night: NEVER DISCOUNT THE GERMANS (or do so at your peril).