Germany In Cruise Control Against Aussies

First-half goals from Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose put Germany in total control of this match. Die Mannschaft have shown here against Australia that they can clearly not be counted out of being able to challenge for the World Cup.

Germany’s starting line-up still possessed all the features of being cautious and calculated, with Joachim Loew’s decision to start both Khedira and Schweinsteiger, two holding players, in the center of midfield. Germany, however, used those holding players to dominate the middle of the pitch. Australia had no movement in the midfield because of the athleticism and passing ability of both Khedira and Schweinsteiger. Already, Michael Ballack’s absence seems not such a big loss after all.

Second half goals from Thomas Mueller and substitute Cacau took the score to 4-0, and Germany totally deserved it. Die Mannschaft’s movement through midfield and the fluidity of their play in the final third made all the difference.

Germany’s XI: Neuer – Lahm, Mertesacker, Friedrich, Badstuber – Khedira, Schweinsteiger – Podolski, Ozil, Mueller – Klose

While Australia were far from being favourites against Germany, they have been absolutely overrun here by the Germans. Certainly, it will be a tough enough task to pick themselves up for the next match, nevermind actually getting through the group. Nevermind the fact that talismanic midfielder Tim Cahill was controversially red-carded after a tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger, and will most likely miss the next two group matches.

Australia’s XI: Schwarzer – Wilkshire, Moore, Neill, Chipperfield – Grella, Valeri – Emerton, Culina, Garcia – Cahill

Now, Germany will have to play Serbia and Ghana to finish the group stages off. Confidence will grow in the German camp after this result, but the pressure on Die Mannschaft will also grow as the tournament goes on.

GROUP D
Germany  – PTS: 3 GD: +4
Ghana – PTS: 3 GD: +1
Serbia – PTS: 0 GD: -1
Australia – PTS: 0 GD: -4