News
13.06.2010 22:25
2010 World Cup
Starting in style: 4-0 against Australia
Lukas Podolski
Germany have started in style in the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a 4-0 (2-0) victory over Australia. After an early scare by Richard Garcia, whose shot was cleared from the line by Philipp Lahm after three minutes, the team of National Coach Joachim Löw took control.
Lukas Podolski was the author of the lead in the 8th minute, when he hammered in a low cross by Thomas Müller, one of three World Cup debutants in the German starting eleven besides goalie Manuel Neuer and defender Holger Badstuber. After 26 minutes Miroslav Klose was on target with his 49th international goal with a header, stunning Aussie-keeper Mark Schwarzer.
Only minutes before the 97-capped striker had missed another clear possibility, shooting wide from six meters (24th). Until the break midfielder Mesut Özil appeared unmarked before the Australian goal twice, but couldn’t make it 3-0. First Lucas Neill cleared his chipped the ball off the line, then the Under 21 European Champion lost his balance after outplaying Schwarzer.
Red Card for Cahill - Müller and Cacau score
Miroslav Klose (M.) heads in for the second
In the second half Australia showed more initiative with Germany looking for counter-attacks. After 54 minutes a wonderful combination ended with Müller shooting the ball over the crossbar from 13 meters.
Australia weakened themselves after 57 minutes, when their star Tim Cahill was sent off after a tackle from behind against Bastian Schweinsteiger. Shortly afterwards Özil gave it a third try to score his first goal, his curler being cleared by Schwarzer though (59th). Klose and Sami Khedira had another big opportunity only a minute later, but couldn't manage to beat the Australian.
Klose again came close to scoring, but Podolski's cross was slightly too hard to push it over the line (65th). Minutes later it was Müller who finished off Podolski's through-ball and made it 3-0 (67th).
Just as the celebrations had ended, substitute Cacau scored the fourth goal of the night with just his third touch of the ball (70th).
