Germany rout Portugal
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A late winner yesterday (Jun. 16) by John Brooks of the USA was enough for his side to exert revenge on Ghana, the team that eliminated them from the past two World Cups.
According to Skysports, Clint Dempsey gave the Americans the lead, just 29 seconds after the sound of the whistle, when he tricked his way past the Ghanaian defenders to open the scoring. It was the fifth fastest goal in World Cup history.
They also reported that Ghana were the better of the two sides in the match but ended up empty handed.
Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan led the Ghanaian comeback as they helped to set up Andre Ayew, who smashed the ball past USA goalkeeper Tim Howard in the 82nd minute.
Just four minutes later USA recaptured the lead through the towering figure of the 21-year-old Brooks, who took advantage of poor defending to head the second goal for the USA.
In the earlier game, Thomas Muller, the top goal scorer of the 2010 World Cup, got his 2014 campaign off to a bright start as he led the Germans to a convincing 4-0 victory over Portugal with a hat-trick.
Skysports reported that Joachim Low’s side opened the scoring after just 12 minutes, following referee’s decision to award them a penalty when Joao Pereira brought down Mario Gotze in the area.
After the half-hour mark, Toni Kroos’ corner was met by Mat Hummels powerful header beyond a hopeless Rui Patricio.
Five minutes later, controversy brewed when Portugal’s Pepe was dismissed after he flicked his arm and struck Muller in the face.
Germany then took full advantage of the extra man when Muller pounced on a clearance from Bruno Alves and hammered the ball into the back of the net.
Muller then completed his hat-trick after tapping in from five yards out in the 78th minute, completing a comfortable win.
In the day’s other game, Iran and Nigeria played to a tame nil-all draw.
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