SALVADOR, Brazil (SportingAlert) — Germany opened their 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign in style after Thomas Muller scored a hat trick in the commanding 4-0 victory over 10-man Portugal at Arena Fonte Nova on Monday.
The other goalscorer was defender Mats Hummels, who headed home from a corner in the 32nd minute.
But the day belong to Bayern Munich forward Muller, who opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute before adding a second and his team’s third just before the half-time whistle.
Muller completed his hat-trick, the first of the 2014 World Cup, with a simple tap in from close range in the 78th minute of play.
Germany stifled the attacking options Portugal, include keeping Cristiano Ronaldo off the sheet in a very frustrating afternoon for the Real Madrid forward.
Defender Pepe was shown a straight red card for head-butting Muller in the 37th minute, as Portugal suffered their heaviest defeat in the World Cup.
It was Germany’s biggest ever victory over Portugal.
Germany v Portugal
Germany: Neuer, Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes, Lahm, Khedira, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Gotze. Subs: Zieler, Grosskreutz, Ginter, Schweinsteiger, Schurrle, Podolski, Klose, Draxler, Durm, Mustafi, Kramer, Weidenfeller
Portugal: Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Fabio Coentrao, Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Meireles, Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo. Subs: Eduardo, William Carvalho, Vieirinha, Eder, Ricardo Costa, Luis Neto, Rafa, Varela, Andre Almeida, Ruben Amorim, Postiga, Beto
Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)
