Germany v Portugal Match of the Day

Welcome to your World Cup replay. We are in Salvador for the replay

against Portugal. We can go over to your commentators. Manuel Neuer and

Philipp Lahm have recovered from the injuries that hampered their

build-up to the World Cup. Philipp Lahm is in the same defence midfield

role he occupies at club level with Bayern Munich rather than his

position at right back. Sami Khedira has returned from a recent injury

and he is prepared to Bastian Schweinsteiger, recently with issues

of his own. Mario Gotze is in and Germany go without a recognised

striker. The man in the middle today is the 41-year-old Miller read Matt

itch from Serbia. His most recent assignment was as a fourth official

at the Europa League between Seville and Benfica.

The big concern for Portugal in the lead up to the contest has been a

fitness of Christiano Ronaldo, troubled by tendinitis in his left

knee recently. The good news for them is that he is fit for the

match. There was some debate as to whether or not William Carvalho

might start in midfield but the coach has all did for experience --

chosen experience, with these players with 191 caps between them

going into the game. Nani plays after misting the last World Cup

through injury. -- missing. Munro is on the bench for Germany.

Miroslav Klose is currently on 14 World Cup goals. Only Christiano

Ronaldo with 15 has ever scored more.

Thomas Muller of Germany, winner of the Golden Boot at the last World

Cup for the best young player award. And here we go. Group G is

underway. Familiar foes going head-to-head in the searing heat.

Germany have got three wins against Portugal in four major tournaments

before this one. Germany in white. Manuel Neuer

missed much of the build-up with a shoulder injury. That he was

confident a while ago that he would be fit to start the match. -- but he

was. Into the space. This is the man from

Real Madrid. Had such a good season. Mertesacker. Hummels. Mesut Ozil on

the near side. The expectation in Germany ahead of

this tournament seems to be at least a semifinal place. The minimum

requirement. They have left no stone hunt turned in their preparations,

including building their own hotel and training centre. Here is

Boateng. In the centre and away by Pepe.

Coming in from the left-hand side get his head on the ball. The first

corner of the match goes to Germany. He has been struggling with injury

in recent weeks, had to sit out the Champions League final with Real

Madrid because of a calf problem. Toni Kroos, it was a little bit too

deep. Matt Hamill is among those up from

the back four. -- Hummels is among those heart-macro -- Hummels is

among those. Rinaldo almost single-handedly secured their place

in Brazil with that play-off against Sweden. -- Christiano Ronaldo.

Veloso. Muller. A bit of space here, and Jerome Boateng. Looking for

Gotze on the near side. Taken away by Pereira. Per Mertesacker. Winning

his 99th for Germany today. The Arsenal defender. Germany making a

positive start to this game. As they tend to do in their opening matches

in the World Cup. Winning their opening game in each of their last

six world cups. And in four of those games, they scored at least four

goals. Jerome Boateng with a throw. Just over the head of Muller and

away by Bruno Alvez. A first chance to Seacrest Jana Rinaldo and

suddenly Germany looking a bit scratchy. -- a first chance to see

Christiano Ronaldo. A first chance for Christiano

Ronaldo to scratch his legs. And he was closed down. Not able to trouble

the German goalkeeper. A good and competitive group in prospect, with

Ghana and the United States in there as well. Comfortable for Pepe. He

was born and grew up in Brazil and only moved to Madeira at the age of

18. Here he is at the heart of the Portuguese back line. Used to have a

more defensive midfield role. Settled in alongside Bruno Alvez

these days. And among compromising duo they are as well. Very well

done. Seems to be by the seat of his pants. Touched by nanny. -- Nani.

Howedes will safely shepherd that one behind. Nani missed the World

Cup four years ago after he injured his collarbone in training shortly

before the tournament. Feeling the heat even before he came here. The

German coach. So much expected of his team. Christiano Ronaldo...

Portugal, not many people are talking about them as contenders, or

as a side expected to do particularly well and going deep

into the tournament. They have reached two semifinals and a final

in the last five tournaments. And it has taken the eventual winners,

Spain, to knock them out. If Christiano Ronaldo can fire on all

cylinders or something like it they could be in with a chance in most

matches. Philipp Lahm. Khedira. Philipp Lahm getting into a spot of

bother. And losing out. Looking for a free kick. It is Christiano

Ronaldo! Heaved a way by Manuel Neuer. Philipp Lahm caught in

possession. And suddenly Portugal were almost in.

What a mistake! Sami Khedira! What a lucky escape for Portugal. Let's

look at this again. Casually clearing it straight to Sami

Khedira. And he cannot find the bottom corner of the net. Portugal

are mightily lucky to still be level here.

Coentrao with the throw. Christiano Ronaldo. Meireles. Alvez.

Moutinho. Pereira. Moutinho again. Down with the challenge by Muller.

Finally getting his chance after missing out four years ago. And here

is Veloso. He has been a key man in the qualifying campaign, starting

every match. Coentrao. Pepe. Nani. Martino. Looking to take on Howedes.

A couple of anxious moments, one had either end. This one for Germany.

Philipp Lahm caught in possession. Look for the space for Christiano

Ronaldo on the left-hand side. Able to make the blog. Rui Patricio, the

goalkeeper from Portugal, lucky at the other end.

Jerome Boateng. It felt rather kindly for Germany. Here is Mario

Gotze. He is still going. Has he been held down? The referee says

yes. Germany penalty. Given against Pereira. The Portuguese players

continue protesting but it will not make any difference. The referee has

made up his mind. And he gets a yellow card for the foul. Let's have

a look at it again. Going down under pressure from the

Portuguese full-back, Gotze. Thomas Muller now, for Germany. 1-0.

In 11 minutes played. Thomas Muller scores. And he starts where he left

off four years ago in South Africa with a World Cup goal.

spot kick, but Muller, finding the bottom corner.

Here is the challenge again. How much of Mario Gotze's arm did Joao

Pereira get, there? Not a great deal, I think is the

answer. Mario Gotze, flicking it away as far

as Moutinho. Away from Muller. Veloso. Bruno Alves.

Hoping to get things moving quickly here with Nani. It did not quite

full for Almeida. Philipp Lahm one that header. -- it did not quite

fall. Howedes, with time to have a little

look around. Parreira, getting it towards Hugo

Almeida. Portugal looking to respond almost immediately. Veloso,

ultimately striking his own player. Away come Germany would Sami

Khedira. -- with Sami Khedira. Now Muller, the goal-scorer with Sami

Khedira, striding away, but Pepe stays strong and upright. Cool and

composed. Clearing his lines. Joao Pereira, the player who was

adjudged to have fouled Mario Gotze for the penalty. Dreading something

of a disciplinary tightrope for the rest of the match, in the referee's

book after 11 minutes. Ronaldo was getting his skates on, there, but

the ball never got near him. A bit of a stretch for row Mirallas,

the former Liverpool and Chelsea player, now in Turkey with

Fenerbahce. -- Raul Meireles. They have just won the Turkish league.

Bruno Alves is a clubmate of Raul Meireles in Turkey.

Parreira towards Almeida. The flag is up on the near side. -- Joao

Pereira. There was a hand as the ball came in.

Paulo Bento, the Portugal coach, 35 caps for his country as a player and

played in the World Cup in 2002. Mesut Ozil in a bit of space on the

edge of the centre circle, if you minutes ago. -- a few.

Germany, content for a few moments to take the pace out of the game. It

is a hot and humid lunchtime in Salvador. Muller will get to this

one. Howedes is nearby. Mesut Ozil on the far side.

Mesut Ozil was the top scorer for Germany in the qualifying matches

with eight goals. Out on the right-hand side at the

moment and in towards Muller with the flick. Cannot find Toni Kroos.

Nani, a little overenthusiastic, according to the referee and

dispossessing Philipp Lahm this time.

A decent crowd in for the match. There are some empty seats in the

stadium, here. It is a very impressive stadium, the Arena Fonte

Nova. Sami Khedira will stretch but Veloso will pick it up. A chance for

Nani to take an Howedes. -- take on. A bit of space for Mesut Ozil.

nearside. Muller, moving through the centre and Sami Khedira in there as

well. Away by Pepe, as far as Almeida.

They just can't keep hold of the ball. 20 minutes in, and the early

penalty separating the sides. Muller is looking really lively in the

middle for Germany, full of movement.

Once again, the high ball towards Hugo Almeida.

Lahm. Pepe was in his way. A good job, too, because Muller was right

behind him. Mesut Ozil was also nearby.

Coentrao getting in close on Muller. But no foul.

Joao Pereira, away from Howedes, challenged by Lahm, tremendous

tackle from the German captain. Not such a great challenge from Joao

Moutinho. Clearly impeding his path. Mats Hummels will take the free

kick. Not quite as his absolute best this past season. It was disrupted

by a couple of ankle injuries. But very much part of the starting XI

for Germany. Midway through the first half, one goal in the game.

Good play by Howedes. Muller is waiting beyond the far post. Mario

Gotze is in the box as well. Bruno Alves with the header away. Toni

Kroos will keep it in. Good possession, here, from Germany. Such

a good record at major tournaments. They have had an excellent run in

recent years as well. Euro 2004 was the last time they fail to reach the

last four of the European Championships all the World Cup. It

is 18 years since they lifted a major trophy. Mario Gotze was almost

in behind the Portuguese defence, there. It is 24 years since they

last won the World Cup. Nani has some support but goes for

goal! The best effort so far from Portugal. Crisp, well struck from

Nani. Just over the top of the bar. It is given away and Raul Meireles

has found Almeida. But he took too long, ponderous in possession and

paid for it. Mats Hummels had time to make the challenge. Germany's

players, waiting to see if Almeida will pick himself up. And indeed,

you will. -- he will. That is a free kick for that one,

from Mario Gotze. Let's have a look again here. This

was the challenge by Hummels on him. A bit of an awkward fall for Hugo

Almeida. Meanwhile the rest of the players on the field are mostly

taking advantage of the opportunity to have a drink. It is a very warm

and humid afternoon. It does look like Portugal will have to make a

change. Hugo Almeida is off. And Eder is coming on to replace him. A

powerful striker but only four goals this season for his club. He went to

West Ham a couple of years ago, actually, Eder. Portugal forced to

make the first change of the game with just under half an hour played.

A bitterly disappointed Hugo Almeida is consoled on the bench by his

team-mates and technical staff. Ronaldo. A bit of a chase. Too much

of a chase for Pereira. Amusing themselves with their first Mexican

wave of the afternoon. Kroos. Muller. Deflection from Nani. Pepe

across. It will be a first touch for Robbie 27-macro. -- Eder. Too much

organising there, through the middle. Where he was previously,

Hugo Almeida. A free kick against Robbie 23 macro-4 his challenge on

Gotze. -- Pereira, for his challenge on Gotze.

A free kick, on the edge of the penalty area. Christiano Ronaldo

heading it away. Nani, finding Miguel the low to thread it through.

-- binding Veloso. Not quite coming. -- finding. We never really saw the

best of him at his time in England with Manchester City. Got a knee

injury not long after he arrived and never fully established himself. But

certainly winning plenty of silverware since signing for Bayern

Munich. Nani. Touch from Philipp Lahm.

Getting it away quickly. Under pressure from Moutinho. Mesut Ozil

waiting for some support. He might not needed. Going for goal and

cannot quite get it! Germany had to settle for a corner. Really

dangerous break here. Mesut Ozil. With the pass and the deflection

carrying it wide. It was Pereira able to stretch and get it away.

Toni Kroos will take this one. Just past the half-hour mark. And Hummels

is there! 2-0, Germany. What a powerful header. Suddenly with just

over half an hour played it looks like a commanding lead for Germany.

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel on her feet, as are a good many

people in the stadium here. A strong header from Hummels and a strong

start from Germany. Toni Kroos with the corner. And mats

Hummels finishing the job. Getting up there, beating Pepe to the ball.

Portugal suddenly have got a lot of work to do here. Boateng is down.

Pepe. Waiting for the pass from Bruno Alvez. Goes here instead.

Hummels, the goal-scorer, dealing with that comfortably. Portugal

needing a goal pretty badly here to get themselves something to work

with. In the last 12 minutes or so of this first half. Muller, followed

closely by Bruno Alvez. Way comes Mesut Ozil. Very influential here. A

pivotal figure at the moment. In a red triangle the Portuguese players

there. Towards Gotze. Cleared by Pepe.

Veloso. Now they have found Nani and now he can run. Christiano Ronaldo.

Not able to pick him out. It all rather fizzled out for Portugal.

Mario Gotze. Muller. Taken back by Moutinho. This is better. Christiano

Ronaldo. Coentrao is available. Meireles outside him. Four inside

the box. Just outside it. Could be a chance here! . And they all look for

a flag on the near side which was never raised. And in the end it just

deflected wide from the goal. Let's have a look at this one again. As it

is played forward, Christiano Ronaldo stayed where he was, offside

initially as it was played forward. A little bit of sorting out for the

referee to do here. Pepe. And Alvez. Moutinho's corner, a header by Rugby

27-macro. A goal kick for Manuel Neuer. -- Eder. A goal kick for

Manuel Neuer. Sticking his leg out. Meireles.

Veloso. Pepe. He could be in a spot of

bother. As he caught mother in the face? Judging by his reaction he

clearly did not think so. Moutinho squaring up to him. No stranger to

controversy in his career. Another chapter for Pepe has been written

now. No hesitation from the referee. And it goes from bad to worse for

Portugal. They are two goals down and they will have to play the rest

of the match with ten men. Here they are again. Not an awful lot in that.

But here, he goes in and he strikes Thomas Muller on the head. That is

what he has been sent off for. A hot-headed reaction by Pepe. On a

searing hot afternoon. Still the debate goes on. It it was

a very ill-advised reaction. Not a clever reaction by Thomas Muller

either. Pepe red carded for going into the German striker with his

head. Not a great start to this World Cup

by Portugal. And it has the potential to get worse today.

Six minutes to go until half-time. Germany will look to press on. They

have got all the midfielders here in the German squad. And goodness knows

more players around here. It has been left to Toni Kroos. A key

players here, any of whom could have taken that free kick.

Toni Kroos with the corner once more. Germany scored from their last

corner on the side of the field. Flicks toward Sami Khedira. And over

the top by Mario Gotze. Here was the incident. Thomas Muller went down

like he had been punched flash in the face which was far from the

case. And Pepe with that overreaction, incurred the Raft of

the referee. -- displeasure of the referee. Thomas Muller as you can

see was perfectly OK. Sami Khedira getting... Portugal

will be looking to get to half-time without incurring further damage.

One man down and two goals down. A long way to go in this match as

well. battle with Joao Pereira, the

Portuguese right back. -- continuing quite a battle. We have not had much

of a chance to seem an Aldo in the first half. -- to see Ronaldo.

Nice, tidy play. They have got a bit more room now as well. Muller, in

the middle. Muller's delivery to Mario Gotze. Comfortable for Rui

Patricio. Away from Toni Kroos, a bit short to

Joao Moutinho. Nani again. Ronaldo, making the run towards the near post

but blocked comfortably by the German defence.

Muller, really frustrated. He wanted the ball played forward. He was in a

good position to get behind the defence.

It is all Germany, here. Muller is up alongside Mesut Ozil at the

moment. Sami Khedira continues his run.

Alvarez, able to get his head to the ball, but still some defending to do

for Portugal. -- Bruno Alves. Still time remaining in the first half,

plus a little bit of added time. Just too far for Mesut Ozil, to who

get back into the centre. -- look it -- hook it. We will have a couple of

minutes of added time at the end of the first. It has been a pretty

disastrous one for Portugal as well. Well got back by Toni Kroos. Good

play. Ronaldo, muscled out of it by Mats

Hummels. Still not getting much of a game. -- of a look in. Mesut Ozil,

striding away. Three inside the box the Germany. Half-time, very much on

the horizon. Two minutes of added time. Lahm,

now, getting involved in the forward play. They almost lining up in the

centre. -- they are almost. It was blocked by Bruno Alves but it is

3-0! Muller is there! This game looks all over already. And the

half-time whistle has not even gone. Thomas Muller, the Golden Boot from

four years ago, as two in the first 45 minutes of Germany's opening

game. And Paulo Bento and Portugal have a massive headache. The header

down from Howedes. The delivery back in, the initial block from Bruno

Alves, but Thomas Muller, quickest to react. The ricochet came off his

left thigh at first. Rui Patricio, unable to keep it out. And for

Portugal, it has been the first half from hell. But Germany, looking

really impressive so far. Nani with the corner. The last few

moments of the first. Eder, sticking his head in but I think it got a

deflection off Howedes. Portugal, trying to finish the first half

vaguely on the front foot. A slight Olay while they get a better ball.

-- a slight delay. Off the head off Howedes once again and the half-time

whistle has gone. What a superb start to the World Cup it has been

for Germany. Three goals in 45 minutes, two of them scored by that

man, Thomas Muller, the first from the penalty spot early on, the

second almost on the stroke of half-time. Mats Hummels with a

header. His goal Sam which between the two from Muller. Cristiano

Ronaldo has hardly had a look in. Portugal are also down to ten men.

They are in big trouble. Ricardo Costa has come on for Miguel

Veloso at the start of the second half, for Portugal. A dependable

central defender, playing in his third World Cup.

He is playing in alongside Bruno Alves in the second half although

Costa has form as well. He was sent off in the quarterfinals in 2010,

against Spain. He caught one of the Spanish players with a flailing arm.

The truth about the sending-off of Pepe was that neither player covered

themselves in glory, with Thomas Muller making a meal of the initial

contact, and then a stupid reaction from Pepe. He didn't really give the

referee any alternative. Cristiano Ronaldo, anonymous so far.

It was straight to Sami Khedira from the world Player of the Year.

Germany, thoroughly deserving of their commanding lead in this match

so far. Portugal, offering very little, just a shot fizzing over the

top from Nani during the first half. He has committed a foul, there.

Sami Khedira is back fit at just the right time after tearing cruciate

and need your ligaments in his right knee last November in an

international against Italy. He was the man he replaced Michael Ballack

at the last World Cup when he was injured, and was a star performer.

Howedes, getting involved in the attacking play, linking up with Toni

Kroos. Muller in the middle. Mesut Ozil is free to wander around near

the edge of the penalty area as well. The flag is up for offside.

The correct call from the Serbian officials.

Coentrao, taking on Mesut Ozil. And Jerome Boateng. It is going to be a

through to Portugal. -- a throw. An awful opening 45 minutes to their

World Cup campaign. Howedes, happy to see it roll out of play on the

far side of the field. No trouble whatsoever for Mannone

lawyer. -- Manuel Neuer. A lovely stadium and a decent sized crowd as

well, 51,081 inside the Arena Fonte Nova for this one. A good many of

them rather slow to return from the half-time shade underneath the

stands. Look at the space over on the far

side for Howedes, the Schalke player.

It could be a long second half, largely chasing shadows, for

Portugal's ten remaining players, if they are not careful.

He just waited a fraction of a second too long.

Ronaldo just can't get going at all, unlike Germany. They could be

in again. Ronaldo just can't get going at

all, unlike Germany. Saved by Rupert Rees year. Muller! -- Rui Patricio.

It stays at three, and Portugal's defenders all look accusingly across

to the near side. It was a close call and the officials gave the

benefit to Germany. But Mesut Ozil, unable to take advantage.

Ronaldo, interchange with Moutinho. He keeps the move going. And in the

end, Nani and Coentrao got in each other's way. And that rather sums up

Portugal's day. Sharp words briefly exchanged

between the pair of them. Mertesacker, winning his 100 andth

cap in the next match -- 100th cap. Germany played Ghana in Fortaleza.

All of Germany is -- Germany's games are in the North, and two of them

are early starts. It is the ideal situation when you are playing in

such hot, humid conditions, with such a good lead and a man over.

Mesut Ozil, waiting for the ball. Loitering in a bit of space, about

ten yards outside the penalty area. Germany happy to roll it around in

second gear at the moment. Hummels, the scorer of the second goal. Sami

Khedira. Turned away by Bruno Alvez. Forward by Coentrao. Giving chase.

That is Hummels going with him. Portugal gets the free kick.

Moutinho can deliver a mean free kick, this time just finding the top

of the head of Sami Khedira. And Pereira just ran out of ideas.

Rather lucky for Portugal but the referee got in the way. It has not

helped them back for long. Thomas Muller. Sami Khedira. Toni Kroos.

Being hassled and harried by Jarrow Martino. -- by Moutinho. Philipp

Lahm. Mario Gotze. Sami Khedira. Mesut Ozil. For him on the return.

Almost digging it out toward Sami Khedira, as he stumbled over.

Ronaldo. Asking rather a lot, even a player of his talents, to try and

rescue this one. Nani. Here is Moutinho. Christiano Ronaldo. Half

cleared by Mertesacker. Dando 's Mario Gotze. -- down goes Mario

Gotze, the referee says play on. And here come Germany once again. With

method ozone. -- Mesut Ozil. Taking on his team-mate and Real Madrid,

Fabio Coentrao. And it is pushed away by Pereira.

Germany threatening a fourth goal. Meireles and Moutinho getting it

away, only as far as Boateng. With the clearance. Eder. Nani.

Christiano Ronaldo on the near side. Ricardo Costa. On for the second

half. Alvez and Fabio Coentrao. They have got a really good tournament

record over the years, Portugal, out of the tournaments they have played

in. Doing well, reaching at least the quarterfinals in hate of the 11

major tournaments they have played in. -- in eight. But they could

hardly have made a worse start to this one, that is visual. Three down

by half time. -- that is for certain.

Almost play for one hour. Just a couple of minutes short of it. Eder.

Nani. Tackled by Philipp Lahm. Everybody standing and watching.

Christiano Ronaldo down and a free kick in their territory. Here is the

challenge again. And a rare sighting of goal here,

albeit from a reasonably long way out for Christiano Ronaldo. Defence

right on the line. Christiano Ronaldo is poised and ready to go.

And the wall has done its job. Manuel Neuer was a picture of

concentration on the goal-line but in the end he was not required.

Portugal forcing a corner. Christiano Ronaldo going up for it

and he was not the only one either. Ricardo Costa as well. Germany

survive. Mesut Ozil is in a good position on this site. Toni Kroos

sweeping it away towards Mario Gotze. Philipp Lahm. Mario Gotze.

And now Howedes. Kroos. Gotze looking in the centre there,

looking where Muller was but in fact he was doing up his boot laces. We

can see here, with his hand in the air, ready to carry on. A little

piece of skill by Howedes not quite coming off.

And Germany are preparing to make a change in the next few moments. With

Andre Shirl from Chelsea preparing to come on, replacing Mesut Ozil,

who has had a fair bit of ground in this opening game. -- Schurrle of

Chelsea preparing to come on. Mesut Ozil was nominated for the

Golden Ball at the last World Cup and was in the team of the

tournament at the Euros a couple of years ago. He can rest his legs for

the final 28 minutes of this game. A great reception from him from the

travelling German supporters. And now Schurrle is on to replace him.

He was the first player to arrive at Chelsea following the return of Jose

Mourinho last summer. And I think Coentrao has got a problem. I think

he has done his groin. He went down straightaway here. What an awful

afternoon it has been for Portugal. Their first choice left back is in

difficulty. I think he has done a groin muscle, stretching for the

ball. Feeling it straightaway. There.

And it is not looking very good for Fabio Coentrao. As the rest of the

players take the opportunity to cool off. Here is the first goal, Thomas

Muller. That early penalty. And the towering header from Hummels making

it too. This delivery from what turned out to be the third goal. A

great finish by Thomas Muller after reacting quicker than Bruno Alvez.

Those facial expressions from the Portuguese players and coach speak

volumes. Fabio Coentrao is out. And you have to wonder if that is the

last we will see of him at this World Cup as well. And Andre Almeida

is going to come on to replace him. The 23-year-old. He made the squad

after only starting 14 league matches in the past couple of

seasons for Benfica. The back-up to the right back, Pereira there.

Almeida on for his sixth. Ronaldo winning the battle into

space. Going for gold. A short born of desperation. And hit with some

velocity. No addition to the score so far in

this second half. Germany looking good in their opening World Cup

match. Portugal have been shredded. Down to ten men as well after that

first half sending-off of Pepe. Their combustible central defender.

Mind you, the guy on the ball now, Ricardo Costa, on to replace him has

seen red seven times in the last five seasons at club level. A couple

of red cards with Portugal as well in his time.

Germany have not tested Patricio for a little while in this game now.

Mario Gotze. Comfortable for the Portuguese goal skipper. --

goalkeeper. Boateng with the interception.

Philipp Lahm, towards Thomas Muller. Acrobatically throwing

himself to the fore. Christiano Ronaldo. Moutinho. Did

very well there. Superb play. Did not haven't much room at all. We'll

Nani Gopher goal, yes he will. The white shirts are back. Pereira

trying to get the shot in which ultimately deflected for a corner

kick for Portugal. We are part of the midway point of the second half

there. The German lead is strong and secure at the moment. Against the

ten men of Portugal. Mertesacker conceding the corner.

Ricardo Costa, beaten in the air. Muller, looking for the runaround

Breschel. Joao Pereira coming across to him. Mario Gotze with a great

chance to make it four. The block is made. A lightning quick breakaway

for Germany and an excellent chance to add to the three goals they had

already scored. Andrei Shell, with the ball in. Mario Gotze took his

time. -- Andre Schurrle. When he pulled it back onto the right foot,

Portugal were able to survive at the expense of a corner.

Toni Kroos, having a quick drink. The Serbian referee telling him to

get on with the game. Germany have won the last three

matches they have played against Portugal, including the third-place

play-off at the World Cup in 2006, when they were the hosts.

Looking for a fourth goal, here. Andre Schurrle, with the return.

Setting up Philipp Lahm in front of goal.

Germany, able to completely dictate the game here, now.

As they have done, largely, throughout. Lahm. Andre Schurrle,

trying to get away from Ricardo Costa.

Eder, losing out in the air. Room for Nani. Germany with a player down

at the moment. Cristiano Ronaldo puts it out. It looks like Mats

Hummels is the man down. It is. I'm not quite sure what the problem is,

whether it was an awkward fall, in the challenge will Eder. Let's

watch, as he lands. -- with Eder. A chance for the rest of the players

to take on fluids. I think Mats Hummels will come off now. They were

thinking of making a change anyway. They had Shkodran Mustafi script and

ready to go, as it happens. Mats Hummels, who scored the second goal

of Germany's three, so far, leaving the field. Let's hope it is nothing

serious, for a player who has had his injury problems this season.

Mustafi was a very late call up for the World Cup. He only came in a few

days before, following the injury to Marco Reus in the last warm up game

against Armenia. He only made his international debut in the goalless

draw with Poland last month. Mustafi placer Sampdoria. -- plays for

Sampdoria. He is now on for Germany. Not a bad turnaround for him, when

just over a week ago, he was not going to the World Cup, and now here

he is, playing on the big stage. Toni Kroos, getting the better of

Moutinho about three times, there. Boateng.

They have just moved things around a bit at the back, Germany, with

Mustafi on the right-hand side, Mertesacker alongside Boateng, now,

and Howedes staying at left-back. Can Portugal give their fans at

least a little to cheer about, here? They have certainly failed in that

so far. They have got a throw in. Boateng, who is set to play against

his brother, Kevin, when they face Ghana at the weekend. That is the

second time they have come face-to-face in a World Cup. They

did it four years ago is what. The referee in the way, Nani with the

shot, Manuel Neuer with the save, Eder goes down and the referee says

Nobel D. Look at Cristiano Ronaldo, absolutely boiling over. -- the

referee says, no penalty. Meanwhile, the game continues. Muller. Sami

Khedira. The crowd don't like it. Portugal, up in arms. Meanwhile,

Germany on the attack. As Eder is challenged by Benedikt

Howedes, and hit the deck. This time, Germany get a free kick

for the challenge by Bruno Alves. Toni Kroos with the kick and Bruno

Alves with the header away. We are inside the last 15 minutes of

this one. Mertesacker, going all the way back

to Manuel Neuer. Plenty of Oles from the German fans

as they keep the ball, here. Sami Khedira, finding Andre Shola.

-- Andre Shola. Not a great clearance again by Rui

Patricio. It could open the door. Muller. And be shot from a macro is

blocked by Andre are made, the substitute. -- the shot from Lahm.

But now it is Andre Shola, whipping that one in, Rui Patricio is there,

but Muller has his hat-trick! -- Andrei Shirl. It is his eighth World

Cup goal. And Muller starts the tournament with a hat-trick.

Well, he has a habit of being in the right place at the right time and he

certainly was, you. The ball in, on a plate from the goalkeeper. -- he

certainly was, here. Rui Patricio only parried it out to the German

forward. And Muller gobbles up chances like that. Germany 4-0

Portugal. Mis-control from Ronaldo. A dreadful

day at the office for Portugal. They just want to get out of here,

regroup and get ready for Sunday. It is not going to get easier for them,

though. They have to go to Manaus that their second game, where they

face the USA. -- for their second game. No resting on that for

Portugal after this, today. Just over ten minutes left.

Eder is going to chase it and Manuel Neuer is well outside his penalty

area. He anticipated the play. Germany, getting ready to make

another change. It looks like Podolski might come on shortly.

Manuel Neuer, happy to let that one run out.

At the next available opportunity, the next time the ball goes dead.

Bags of space, here, for Toni Kroos. And Mario Gotze.

Well, the hat-trick hero for Germany is the man to be replaced, now.

Lukas Podolski is coming on. Muller, starting the World Cup in

fantastic style, with a hat-trick. You have do say, you made a meal of

the challenge with Pepe. -- have to say. Ronaldo tries to get a shot

away. It does not excuse Pepe's reaction, of course.

Portugal left hot and bothered in Salvador.

It is a match in which they have never really been in it. Away by

Howedes. A lot of very tired legs out there. It is strength sapping

heat and humidity. Joao Pereira, merely finding the

boot of Boateng. Mario Gotze, of course Bayern Munich now, having

started with Boerrigter Dortmund. -- Borussia Dortmund. Eder, on his feet

against Howedes. Nani with a bit of space near side, for Almeida.

Ronaldo, looking for ideas, wants to do it himself. Now it is without

major. He can't get the ball in. Not passed Mustafi.

Germany were the top scorers in European qualifying with 36 in ten

matches. Four here, today. Yet another impressive start to a World

Cup campaign. It is going to be seven World Cups in a row in which

they have started with a win. Almeida was in danger of handling

the ball for a minute, then. It was sailing towards arrhythmia. --

towards him, in the air. It is going to be one defeat in the

last 19 group matches they have played at the World Cup, Germany.

They were beaten by Serbia, four years ago in South Africa. They

still got through to the semifinals. Well, he is going to have a crack,

isn't he, from here. He will have do delve deep into the

box of tricks to score from this kind of distance. -- have to delve.

The deflection away Philipp Lahm. Disappointing for Ronaldo, and a

miserable afternoon for Portugal. Nani.

Not too much time for what could only be a consolation for them. Five

minutes remaining of the 90. Germany, happy to see this one out,

here. It has been a convincing start of the tournament from them. Here

they come again with Lukas Podolski. A little exchange with Lahm. Was he

blocked off on the edge of the box? No, says the referee, who was well

placed. Ricardo Costa, a judge not to have found the Arsenal player. --

adjudged not to have fouled the Arsenal player.

Ronaldo, with Eder inside. Beaten to it by Howedes. Portugal's pretty

rough record against Germany continuing today. They have only won

three of the previous 17 encounters between the two countries and they

have never been close this afternoon. Boateng, fouled by row

morale is. -- row all morale is. Daschle Raul Meireles.

Nothing subtle about that. That is a hell of a beard he has got these

days, by the way. Ronaldo with the free kick. A daisy cutter, straight

at the German captain. They have certainly come apart at the seams

today, Portugal. In the six group games they have played, they have

only conceded one goal in all of the six matches. But hit for four,

today. A long time to spend with ten men,

after the sending off a Pepe. It was not the easiest even when he was on

the field, to be honest. The Portuguese players will just be

wanting to hear the final whistle. We are into the last minute of the

90, heading for a couple of minutes of added time.

Joao Pereira is treading a fine line, when he committed the foul and

conceded a penalty after 11 minutes. Was there a case for him to have

been sent off as well? before the penalty. A couple of

minutes of added time. A terrible clearance by the goalkeeper. Falling

invitingly to Sami Khedira, which she could not quite take advantage

of. -- which he could not quite take advantage of. And space here for

Moutinho. Trying to turn it away from Mertesacker, getting the free

kick. Going up before the ball ended up in the back of the German net.

A bit of defending to do here in the last few moments of the match. Just

over one minute remaining of added time and a last chance for

Christiano Ronaldo to do something from a set piece. Here we go. A good

save by Manuel Neuer. My word, that was travelling like a missile.

Fiercely struck and solidly saved. A largely trouble-free afternoon in

the German goal by Neuer. That might well be it for Portugal. In terms of

attacking play in this match. Here is the free kick again. Close enough

for Manuel Neuer to make the sake without too much difficulty. There

goes the final whistle. Germany had not dropped points in their first

World Cup game since 1986. They have won the opening match for the

seventh time in a row and in five of those seven games they have scored

at least four goals. That man has scored three today, Andrei 's

mother. -- Neuer. They will be hoping for better, Portugal, on

Sunday. Pepe sent off. They were never in the game. Germany were

comfortable and convincing winners, 4-0.

There you have it. Another unexpected result and the World Cup.

If you go on the BBC website every morning from half past six you can

download the goals in the best bits from the games. And we have

highlights every single morning on BBC T -- on BBC Two at ten minutes

to hate. So many ways to watch the World Cup. Goodbye.

to the cutting-edge science that's driving it,

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