Germany beats 10-man Portugal 4-0 in World Cup Group G opener

By NESHA STARCEVIC ASSOCIATED PRESS

11 years ago

Germany’s Thomas Mueller, left, celebrates with Mario Goetze after scoring the opening goal during the group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Portugal’s Joao Pereira, left, challenges Germany’s Mario Goetze during the group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Portugal’s Pepe , left, puts his head on Germany’s Thomas Mueller during the group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. Pepe was red carded after this. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) races past Germany’s Mario Goetze (19) during the group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

SALVADOR, Brazil — Thomas Mueller scored a hat trick as Germany turned on its style and power to rout 10-man Portugal 4-0 in their World Cup Group G opener on Monday.

Mueller, who scored five goals at the 2010 World Cup, was ruthless against a weak Portugal team that was clearly outplayed.

With German chancellor Angela Merkel watching in the stands, her team celebrated its 100th World Cup match with a rousing victory.

The match was virtually decided by halftime, with Mueller scoring either side of Mats Hummels’ headed goal as Germany took a 3-0 lead at the break.

Portugal was reduced to 10 men when Pepe was red carded in the 37th minute for apparently head-butting Mueller as the German player sat on the ground.