Rampant Germany Scores Four Against Aging Socceroos

Germany addressed the lack of goals in the World Cup in style. Die Mannschaft put on an impressive display of attacking football to thrash Australia 4-0. The intelligent movement off the ball was a joy to watch and a big change from the low-key affair seen so far. Mesut Oezil, Schweinsteiger, Podolski and Khedira played with an understanding and fluency that was almost telepathic.

Joachim Loew justified his decision to include six strikers into his German squad with Podolski, Klose, Mueller and Cacau all scoring. But it was the way Germany carved open chance after chance which impressed all of us who watched the match. It was truly breathtaking.

Socceroos coach, Pim Verbeek sprang a surprise naming Tim Cahill as a lone striker. His desire to get involved got the better of him as he was red-carded in the second half. An unfair red card, if you ask me and Cahill's dismissal makes Australia's chances of progress very slim indeed.

Among the pre-tournament favourites which have played, Germany's performance have been by far the most vibrant. The young German team that Juergen Klinsmann introduced to us in 2006 have now matured into a fine organized attacking experienced outfit under Jogi Loew. The players proved today that they have the ability and goals to go far in this year's tournament, even without Michael Ballack.

The question is if Germany have sufficient leadership and mental strength within the team to win when not playing well. If an imposing leader emerges, then Germany will be hard to beat. Germany have laid down the gauntlet tonight, they are a team to be reckoned with.