It was a result which no one could possibly predict. Minutes ago at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Bahia, Germany mercilessly crushed one of the Brazil 2014 World Cup favourites, Portugal, by four unreplied goals. This was despite the presence of World Footballer of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo, who played all 90 minutes for the Portuguese.

The German machine started the demolition 12 minutes into the game, with Thomas Müller blasting the ball past goalie Patricio from the spot after, expertly converting a penalty awarded after Joao Pereira hacked down Gotze in the vital area.

It turned out to be the beginning of a goal harvest by Müller, who ended up grabbing the championship’s first hat trick.

Mats Hummels had extended Germany’s lead with a header in the 32^nd minute, only for centre-back Pepe to make things more difficult for the Portuguese when he was sent off five minutes late for attacking Muller. A minute into first half extra time, Muller struck again after Bruno Alves failed to clear a cross and the ball fell straight to Muller.

The rampaging Muller completed the rout in 78 minutes with a tap-in from point-blank range to become the Brazil 2014 top scorer.

Ronaldo’s misery contrasts the smiles on the face of his bitter rival Lionel Messi, who in the wee hours of the morning grabbed a goal as he led Argentina to a 2-1 victory over Bosnia Herzeovina in the opening match of Group F. Nigeria and Iran are warming up for the second Group F showdown from 8pmNigerian time.

•Photo shows Muller and team mates celebrating one of his three goals . . . this evening at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

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