Muller's hat-trick helps Germany crush 10 man Portugal.
Germany 4-0 Portugal
Muller hit the first hat-trick of the 2014 FIFA World Cup to help Germany give a crushing defeat to 10 man Portugal. Muller started the proceedings for Germany by scoring off a penalty in 12th minute. Pereira fouled the Gotze in the penalty area and Muller converted the penalty in to good shot to bottom left corner, putting Germany in the lead. Germany started troubling Portugal with their attacks and were able to extend their lead in the 32nd minute. Gotze and Ozil attacked the Portugal's defence and Gotze shot was deflected to a corner. Germany were able to convert this corner into their second goal. Kroos delivered a got cross from the corner and Hummels leaped high and headed the ball into the net.
Within 5 minutes Portugal's situation began to get more worse when Pepe got sent off the field for collision with Muller. Pepe appeared to have shoved his hand in Muller's face and leant his head on the fallen Muller. Referee showed a red card and sent Pepe off the pitch and adding to the worries of Portugal. Muller scored yet again just before half time and putting Germany in a commanding position. Germany sealed their victory with another goal from Muller in the 78th minute.
Ronaldo started the match positively for Portugal by attacking the German defence. He made his presence felt by assisting Almeida to create a chance for Portugal. Within couple of minutes Ronaldo troubled the keeper yet again but wasn't able to provide the lead. Germany took control of the match and Khedira missed a open chance at goal after poor clearance by Portuguese goalkeeper.
Germany got an penalty in 11th minute when Gotze got twisted and fell after being pulled by Pereira. Muller took the penalty with ease and put the Germans in the lead. In the 30th minute Ozil started a brilliant run and passed the ball to Gotze whose shot was blocked off to a corner. The Germans corner was taken by Kroos who delivered a good cross to Hummels , who found the net with a brilliant header and extending the Germans lead. Portugal got their chance in the 36th minute from a corner but Eder's header was little high and didn't find the net. Portugal's hope of recovering was completely ruined by Pepe. Muller fell down claiming he was hit in the head by Pepe's arm but Pepe reacted by planting his head on Muller and getting sent off by the referee.
Muller very much sealed the Germans victory by scoring the third goal just before half time. Kroos tried a chance at goal and Alves didn't manage to clear the ball properly. Muller scored his second from the ball that bounced off Alves straight into top left hand corner. Clearly all chances for Portugal comeback were ruined going into half-time. Germany attacked Portugal early in the second half and Gotze's good pass to Ozil threatened Portugal once again, but Ozil shot was saved. Germany looked threatening and looked for a fourth goal which was finally provided by Muller. Schurrle's attempted cross was saved by Patricio but Muller who was nearby fired a close range shot into goal. Germany clearly dominated Portugal throughout the match. Portugal's star player Ronaldo's presence in the field was very limited and only time he really threatened the goalkeeper is off a free kick at time of final whistle.
Portugal clearly weren't at their best form and Ronaldo wasn't able to get any clear chances and didn't have much impact in the match. Germany was able to give crushing defeat to Portugal and be hoping for a win in their next match against Ghana. Portugal has to regroup and fight or else Americans can upset their chances at World Cup. Germany's crushing victory against Portugal helps them to gain huge momentum and making them a serious competitor for the title.
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