The Germans scored early and often as they cruised to a 4-0 rout of Australia in the World Cup opener for both teams in front of 62,660 at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Germany's Lukas Podolski scored in the seventh minute of the first half, and the Germans never looked back, despite playing without injured team captain Michael Ballack.
Player of the game
Lukas Podolski, Germany.
Podolski's early goal set the tone for the Germans, and he also added an assist.
Scoring breakdown
Besides Podolski's first-half tally, forward Miroslav Klose scored at the 26-minute mark on a header that gave the Germans the 2-0 lead.
Australia's Tim Cahill picked up a red card in the 56th minute that put Germany a man up and opened the door for late goals by both Thomas Muller and Cacau.
Notes
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer made two saves while Australia's Mark Schwarzer made five. Germany also had a slight edge in time of possession, controlling the ball for 56 percent of the contest.
Next
Germany takes on Serbia on Friday, June 18, at 7:30 a.m. ET. Australia faces Ghana on Saturday, Jun 19, at 10 a.m.
