Germany had it easier than expected in their opening encounter in the FIFA World Cup 2014 against Portugal, thanks to some clinical performance from Thomas Mueller and self-destructive antics from Pepe. From the penalty conceded in the 12th minute of the match it became quite clear that it was not Portugal’s day. Mueller made no mistake to find his name on the score sheet from the spot and in no time Germany was 1-0 ahead. 20 minutes on Portugal conceded the second on the day and this time Mat Hummels out jumped all the Portuguese defenders to head Germany ahead by 2-0. Then came the most defining moment of the match. Pepe’s left hand left Mueller down on the floor. The referee just wanted to go and even Muller himself did not appeal for any foul or anything of that sort. But suddenly Pepe went back to Mueller and head-butted him. The referee had no second thoughts about giving the marching orders to Pepe. With 2 goals down and lacking one 
person on the field it was an uphill task for Portugal to come back into the match. The question was how many more Germany will score in the remainder of the match. Germany scored one just before the half time whistle when Mueller showed his presence of mind by blocking the defender and scoring with his left foot to give Germany a 3-0 lead at the break.
As the second half began, Germany perhaps took it a bit easy and a lack of urgency could be noticed in their game. Still they managed to score one and it was Mueller again who completed his hat trick when Schurrle’s cross was tipped away on his path by Portuguese keeper. Germany settled for a 4-0 win in the end although it could have easily much more. Portugal might consider them a bit unlucky when the referee denied them a penalty when one the Portuguese was brought down in the penalty box. Cristiano Ronaldo could not manage any sort of scoring opportunity as he was 
unable to get right passes from his colleagues. Once he tested Manuel Neuer from distance with a free-kick but that could never have beaten someone like Neuer. In the end it was job done for the Germans as they prepare for their next match against Ghana within 5 days time.
On the other hand, Portugal will be without Pepe in their next match against USA and perhaps without Fabio Coentrao as well who had to be stretchered off the field after he had injured his groin. It seems really hard for Portugal from now on since they will be without two of their main players in the defense for the next match and USA is quite a tough nut to break.
Tags: FIFA 2014 FIFA worldcup 2014 Match Result Thomas Mueller world cup
