Germany vs. Australia 2010: Match Report

Germany began their World Cup campaign in impressive form as they beat Australia 4-0 at the Moses Madhiba Stadium in Durban.

Joachim Loew’s side had been regarded as outsiders for the Cup but after this performance many will consider them as firm favourites for the trophy. Their attacking flair combined with their defensive solidarity gave them the perfect platform to beat a disappointing Australian side whose defensive record was put to the sword. The Aussie’s night didn’t get any better when their top goal scorer Tim Cahill was harshly sent off by Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez for a tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger. Germany though had already scored two by then adding a further two after the sending off – a score line which reflected well on Germany’s domination.

The Aussie’s had set up to contain Germany with a 4-5-1 formation but their plans soon went to pieces when Lukas Podolski hammered home an 82 mph shot past Mark Schwarzer after only 8 minutes. However, the game could have taken a different shape if Tim Cahill could have converted a free header on 3 minutes, as Germany’s zonal marking proved lacklustre.

Germany took confidence though from their opener as they kept possession well commanding the opening stages, but when Miroslav Klose uncharacteristically missed from 6 yards the German pressure had seemed to had counted for nothing - that was until the 32 year-old quickly atoned for his error.   Lahm, the stand-in German captain, whipped in a cross which Schwarzer misjudged, and together with the Aussie’s poor marking the Polish-born striker took full advantage heading into the empty net.

With the Socceroo’s now firmly pegged back they needed to exert some attacking influence upon the game, unfortunately though Germany possessed a player who made the Australians think only about defending - Mesut Ö zil. The 21 year-old was instrumental in Germany’s win as his incisive runs and delightful through balls made the whole world sit up and take notice. Ö zil’s constant threat nearly brought Germany a third as he chipped over Schwarzer but a desperate clearance from the Aussie captain Lucas Neil saw the Turkish-born attacker denied. He also rounded the Fulham goalkeeper a few minutes later but his touch was a little heavy despite taking Podolski’s through ball exceptionally well.

Australia’s coach Pim Verbeek changed things around after half-time bringing on Brett Holman for Vince Grella signalling a more offensive approach, however the Dutchman’s comeback plans were quickly blown away on 56 minutes when Chaill was sent off. This only gave the Germans further control over the game and after numerous missed chances Tim Muller finally put the game to bed with a low strike from the edge of the area. The Bayern Munich man turned Scott Chipperfield’s challenge coolly and struck the much talked about Jabulani onto the post for it to roll into the net.

The Socceroo’s now wanted the game to end whilst the German’s only wanted to carry on their momentum and this was shown when Cacau, after being on for only two minutes, slotted home from a Podolski cross. Once the impressive Ö zil was substituted though, the game petered out and meant the Germans could conserve their energy for Friday’s game against Serbia who may prove sterner opponents. But with Loew’s side playing some splendid football they could well repeat this type of result.