Germany trounced Australia 4-0 on Sunday to take command of Group D at the World Cup in South Africa.
The efficient Germans ruthlessly dismantled the Socceroos, and were already up 2-0 when Australian star Tim Cahill was sent off with a dubious red card.
Germany was characteristically clinical in converting their chances.
Lukas Podolski broke through in the 8th minute, beating Australian keeper Mark Schwarzer with a left-footed shot.
The Polish-born Podolski had been criticized in the German press for his poor play in the Bundesliga, but sparkled throughout today's match.
Miroslav Klose headed home from in close in the 26th minute to give the Germans more breathing room.
Ten minutes after half-time, Cahill was harshly red-carded, ending any hope of a comeback by the Socceroos.
Thomas Muller banked a well-placed low shot in off the post in the 67th minute, and Cacau performed a coup de grace from near the penalty spot to give Germany its 4-0 win.
Germany and Ghana are atop Group D with three points, but Germany's four goals give it the edge on goal differential.
Ghana defeated Serbia 1-0 earlier in the day.
Cahill will miss the next game for Australia, which plays Ghana at 10 am ET June 19.
Germany next takes on Serbia at 7:30 am ET on June 18.
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December 19, 2025 15:10 ET U.S. inflation data and interest rate decisions by major central banks were the highlights of this busy week for economics news flow. Employment data and survey results on the housing markets also gained attention in the U.S. In Europe, the European Central Bank and Bank of England announced their policy decisions and macroeconomic projections.