Barbecued Socceroos: Germany 4-0 Australia 13/6/10

Germany line-up: Neuer, Friedrich, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil (Gomez, 74'), Podolski (Marin, 81'), Klose (Cacau, 68'), Muller, Badstuber, Lahm (c), Mertesacker
Australia line-up: Schwarzer, Neill (c), Moore, Cahill, Culina, Emerton (Jedinak, 74'), Wilkshere, Chipperfield, Grella (Holman, HT), Valeri, Garcia (Rukavytsa, 64')

Tonight we saw the best performance so far this World Cup by a country mile. Germany passed it better and slicker than anyone else, played better attacking moves and finished more shots. Australia were dwindling and just couldn't live with Germany.

Australia however did start well with Garcia missing a great chance. But after some testing shots from the Germans they were 1-0 up after eight minutes with a pile driver form Podolski, Schwarzer got a hand to it but was never going to be able to save it. Klose could have had a hat-trick tonight and missed a couple of good chances before putting Germany two up after 26 mins. Australia were already looking out of shape and it didn't help when Tim Cahill got the first straight red card of the tournament on 56 minutes for what looked a harsh decision, probably a yellow at most.

This lead to yet more German efficiency in their attacking play and Muller made it three after a quick interchange with Podolski on the edge of the Australian box. the game was finished off when substitute Cacau tapped in from six yards after yet another delightful cross. Performances were fantastic right across the pitch with Ozil looking fantastic in midfield and Lahm providing a very juicy outlet form right-back. The only negative for me was the diabolical diving, first from Ozil then from Cacau both of whom the Mexican referee quite rightly booked them for.

England had better hope they win their group or they could face an early exit because Germany will rip the defence to shreds based on performances so far. As for Australia, their hopes of progressing haven't faded but are made more difficult now they are going to be without Cahill for the last two matches.