There was a lot at stake for the 2 teams playing this game. Ghana having one the previous group tie against Serbia made it even more important. Germany were about start their campaign without their inspirational skipper Michael Ballack and the Socceroos had a point to prove.

It was Australia who had the first chance in 3rd minute. Cahill headed the corner towards goal which was blocked and fell kindly for Garcia whose fierce shot was blocked by German Skipper Phillip Lahm. This was probably the first and last chance Aussies were going to get as Germans upped the ante soon after that. There were numerous runs inside the box which the Aussie defense was unable to see and paid for it with a goal in 8th Minute. Muller ran into the penalty area and passed the ball behind into the 6 yard area only for Podolski to unleash a scorching strike. Aussie GK Schwarzer was able to get a hand to it but so much was the power behind the hit that he could not keep it out. Germans had now tasted blood and were even more attacking.

Another 20 minutes were gone, with Klose, Podolski, Ozil, Muller, Khedira all making runs into the box not only staying onside but also outwitting the Aussie defense most of the times. Then Lahm put in another great cross for Klose who continued his last years goalscoring touch with a superb header. Australia had no answer for German attack in the first half and things were about to get worse for them.

Game resumed for Aussies on a worse note with their Skipper Lukas Neill being given a Yellow for a tackle on Klose. Then few minutes later they had a Penalty shout only being turned down by the Ref. It was clearly a handball and penalty should have been awarded to Australia. Then for a strange tackle Cahill was handed a straight red which was even more controversial. Cahill apologised soon after his tackle and it was evident that he lost his balance. But decision was made and Aussies were down to 10-men.

Germans with a man advantage looked more menacing now. about 10 minutes later Podolski fed Muller in a decent pass which Muller worked out well and hit it along the turf towards the far corner. It hit the post and went in. It was a terrific finish for the Bayern striker who had a great season. Soon after the goal Klose was replaced with another striker Cacau who took only 2 minutes to score another goal for Germans. With a 4 goal deficit Aussies had given up and Germans slowed up the pace a little. They still created a few chances but scoreline remained the same emphatic 4-0.

This was unquestionably the best game so far in this tournament. Germans showed again that they put up the best team effort with their intricate passing and incisive runs into the box. It would not be wrong to hope something more like this from them in upcoming fixtures and I have a feeling that we will not be disappointed.