Confident in their strength, Germany did not falter against Portugal as they entered the Brazilian World Cup. Germany won 4-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Thomas Müller. The Lusitanians have never experienced such a defeat in a World Cup.
The Germans won thanks to the successes of Müller (12 penalties / 45 / 78) and Hummels (32). The matter developed in terms of numerical superiority after the expulsion of Pepe (37), who did not control himself again (he headbutted Muller after putting his hand in his face). But there is nothing to suggest that Portugal would have had the means to respond had it not been for this stupidity.
Because when the red card was shown, the Germans were already two lengths ahead. Two successes were recorded from a set piece: firstly a penalty kick won by the lively Götze and converted by Müller (12th position). Then a corner kick from Kroos was blocked by Hummels' header.
And eight for Mueller
Joachim Löw's pick ended the game just before half-time. After a pass sent by Kroos into the penalty area, Muller beat Alves 3-0. Then he added the score at the end of the match after a cross from substitute Schurrle. Muller now has eight goals in World Cup finals, having been South Africa's top scorer four years ago with five wins.
Germany showed very interesting tactical flexibility, switching perfectly between 4-3-3 and 4-1-4-1. Attacking substitutions between Götze, Muller and Ozil hindered the Portuguese defence. Even if he fielded four professional defenders, the Mannschaft defense was not used much.
Disappointing choice
Like Ronaldo, its captain and star, Portugal was disappointed. Ronaldo wasted an opportunity to open the scoring in the eighth minute and did not recover. He missed his free-kicks and again fell into his own fouls, often getting very personal.
Moreover, if we exclude some flashes at the start of the match, the selection led by Paulo Bento did not show anything very exciting. Often frenetic in defence, dominating the midfield, innocuous up front, the results are overwhelming, even more so if we add the injuries to Hugo Almeida and Coentrao.
The Portuguese will certainly have to recover during their second match in Manaus against the United States (June 22), otherwise they will face a terrible disappointment.
>> Read also: The United States defeats Ghana in the final round
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