2010 FIFA World Cup: Germany's Mauling of Australia Proved Doubters Wrong

Before the start of this tournament, injuries to Ballack and Adler created an aura of uncertainty that loomed over the German camp.

Philip Lahm was later awarded the arm-band but the preparations—marred by injuries—hadn't gone according to plan.

Joachim Low selected youngsters who had performed well in the domestic leagues, and also gave Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose a chance on the basis of their international record, despite having a terrible season at the club level.

And how did they repay coach's faith? By scoring the first two goals in Germany's opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Low couldn't have asked for a better start from his two strikers, who were under the microscope after enduring a tumultuous season in the Bundesliga.

On a personal note, this was the best game thus far in the tournament.

Germany completely dismantled an ageing Australian team into bits and pieces. Now the Socceroos have a difficult task of recuperating from the mental scar this match has inflicted on them.

The fans and pundits, before the start of the tournament, ranked England and Argentina above Germany as the favorites to win the tournament. However, this game proved them wrong.

The emphatic performance from Germany gave very little opportunity for the opponents who are indubitably the best Asian team participating in this year's competition.

Germany's midfield play was a treat to watch and more importantly off-the-ball runs were perfectly timed and gave the man in possession a lot more options to pass.

This German team is a blend of youth and experience, and the sceptics doubted the credibility of quite a few young starlets who were chosen to represent the Germans on the world stage.

But Sami Khedira, Thomas Muller, and Mesut Ozil began on a high note and also gave an impression that they were playing for the German national team for ages.

Mesut Ozil impressed one and all with his excellent reading of the game. He was right on the money from the very kick-off and played a huge part in Germany's first and last goals.

He should have scored but unfortunately failed to finish two glorious chances; you can forgive him for those misses considering his overall performance on the night.

Khedira and Schweinsteiger controlled the midfield very well and set the pace of the game, something which Maradona's boys failed to do in their opening game.

Additionally, the quality of the wing play was much better than what we have seen so far in this tournament.

Muller and Podolski on either flanks were unplayable at times.

While Podolski's thunderous finish underlined the fact that he's still one of the best strikers in the world, Muller's goal, which needed some luck and deservedly got the help from the goal post, had a touch of class written all over it.

Klose was disappointing when he missed regulation chances but his goal was inevitable when he headed in a fantastic cross from Lahm.

Cacau too scored a goal which was probably the easiest of the lot.

Now Low must choose between Cacau and Klose for the next game, the former was more direct and showed a willingness to track back. Low should start Cacau in the next game.

Germany's defenders and goalkeeper had very little to do. The goalkeeper would have had a nice nap at the back because Australians were that poor going forward.

Tim Cahill's red card  might have been unfair, but it seems like this is not the year of the Socceroos.

German coach, Low, doesn't need to do anything silly now.

His team got off to the best possible start and it looks extremely sharp. His defence hasn't been tested yet and after yesterday's performance don't expect Ghana and Serbia to test it either.

Germany should prepare for the knockout stages now. Entertaining days are ahead for all the German fans. This could be their year.

My pick of the game: Mesut Ozil