Thomas Mueller Pulled A Rabbit Out of a Hat-Trick, With Assistance From Pepe

There was never any doubt, was there? Muller went on
to grab his first hat trick for the national team.
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

After a mistake by Philip Lahm in the 8th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo came away with the ball, quickly moving through the gears onto Olympic sprinting territory. He was past the German defence in a flash, what with the likes of Mertesacker and Hummels playing in the centre. The World Player of the Year laid it off to Hugo Almeida, who scuffed his shot, sending the ball safely into the palms of the grateful Manuel Neuer. 

That was it for Cristiano and his team. 

Doesn't need a caption
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

That was what they played like, Cristiano and his team. It was never Portugal. It was more so about Ronaldo, and 10 other guys trying to get the ball to him. With someone like Messi though, it is quite a contrast. He loves support from his teammates, but he provides them with tonnes of assists as well. When Ronaldo is concerned though, individuality comes before the team. 

Some may say it's an unfair indictment of Portugal's superstar, but watch the game again, compare that with they way Messi went about his business in Argentina's opener. The difference is absolutely staggering. 

Joachim Loew's men were, however, simply spectacular on the night, buzzing around the Portuguese like a swarm of German wasps. Irritate someone like Pepe, and you know almost certainly how he would react. And react he did, extremely foolishly, costing his team any chance which they might have had. 

I can do better than Zidane!
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

If only Pepe had put more effort in heading the ball away, and stopping Germany's forwards, legally. But no, he's Pepe. Legal is not in his dictionary. Buffoonery, perhaps. 

After the first 45 minutes last night, I could not help but put the German team alongside the Spanish of 2008 and 2010. Supremely intelligent, with the right balance, adequate panache and players who can whip an omelette anywhere on the pitch. In Mesut Ozil, they have a 'scrambled egg' specialist, the ones you usually find at luxury hotels, who effortlessly puts the eggs where you want them. And makes it just right. But enough of eggs for now, what about Thomas Mueller?

He's neither a forward, nor an attacking midfielder, but hey, he's one heck of a player. Playing between the lines is what even the best defenders struggle with, and it was vividly displayed yesterday. The Germans will really take some stopping, but I will highlight them in a future piece, to see how far they can actually go in Rio 2014. 

If you were mesmerised by the German performance yesterday, you might have struggled to keep awake watching the Iranians take on Nigeria. Not because it was shown in the wee hours of this morning, but due to it being absolutely woeful. In terms of a spectacle, there was nothing in it whatsoever, so much so that even one of the Nigerian players took a nap on the fresh grass. (See below.)

Why don't we have a siesta, eh?
(Pic Courtesy of FIFA.com)

Both teams will be lucky to stay in the competition, after playing out a stale draw. 

The Americans though, produced a shock. I say that due to the Ghanaians having gifted crop of young players including the Ayew brothers, sons of Ghanaian great Abedi Pele. Perhaps if Kevin-Prince Boateng had started the game to provide more support up front to Gyan Asamoah, they might have done better. 

With that being said though, it is somewhat a long shot for them to get at least four points against both Portugal and Germany, hence their survival chances might have already faded. 

Tonight's fixtures see Belgium v Algeria, Brazil v Mexico and Russia taking on the South Koreans. 

Belgium v Algeria

On paper, this might sound like a foregone conclusion, and it may well be. In spite of that, Belgian fans should tune in to this game, as it might serve as a gauge on how well this group can do this time. Fancied by many as dark horses in this competition, the Brussels-based men have the right ingredients to take on, and beat the best of them. The question is whether they can do it on the field, with the right tactical setup. 

Look for Axel Witsel to boss the midfield, with a view of Adnan Januzaj coming off the bench to support talisman Eden Hazard. This whole team is loaded with class, from Thibaut Courtois in goal, right up till Romelu Lukaku at the other end. Kompany and Vermaelen form a very solid centre-half pairing. 

Algeria have no chance in this one, though do not be surprised to see Nabil Bentaleb of Tottenham and Sofiane Feghouli of Sevilla to put on a good showing. 

My take : Belgium 5-0 Algeria

Brazil v Mexico

A chance for Brazil to put themselves almost certainly into the knockout stages, up against the Mexicans. Last time out, the hosts were quite shaky, needing a magnificent display from Oscar to get themselves out of a deep pit. If Mexico can get at the heart of this team, right at the spine as well as the flanks, they might well have a chance. 

Do not completely rule out Mexico in this one, though will anyone go against Brazil? I think it'll be tight, but Brazil to come away 2-0 winners. 

Russia v South Korea. 

Under Fabio Capello, the gentlemen from Moscow have been difficult to beat, with the Berezutsky twins in the centre of defence, and Igor Akinfeev between the sticks. Known for their vodka more than anything else, perhaps even Vladimir Putin, the Russians could put a few past the South Koreans tonight, if Alan Dzagoev and Aleksandr Kerzhakov can apply the coup de grace quickly. 

Russia 3-0 South Korea