Germany rout Portugal 4-0; U.S. beat Ghana 2-1; Iran, Nigeria draw 0-0

Germany showed how efficiency is applied to soccer. Poor Portugal!

I thought chances are Germany would win, but I did not expect them to trounce Portugal like that. Those predictions of a Holland-Germany final sound very reasonable now.

Here come the Germans. Well done.

go USA! they finally beat ghana after 3 tries in the WC. still gonna be tough to advance in the "group of death" but at least the first hurdle was crossed.

Portugal were a bit unlucky. Dodgy penalty for the first goal and overreaction from Muller to an 'elbow' got the defender sent off. Shame because I was looking forward to a close game. He may have got a hattrick but I'll remember him for his face-clutching antics unfortunately. Don't really feel sorry for C Ron though (being English). He had a poor game by his standards-too many silly stepovers when he wasn't really going anywhere for one thing.

Muller is set to collect his second Golden Boot award as well as Best Actor award!

Muller should be embarrassed - what a wimp and bad actor. Yes, Pepe was an idiot but it is clear to see that he was reacting to Muller's theatrics. That incident ruined the game. Ref should have shown better judgement & gave him yellow instead of red.

usual Portugal breakdown. US just need a draw against Portugal now.

go USA! they finally beat ghana after 3 tries in the WC. still gonna be tough to advance in the "group of death" but at least the first hurdle was crossed.

Yes, let's hope. The U.S. now has Klinsmann as couch and they have definitely stepped up their game, good on them. Everything is possible. Go USA!!

Well done the US. Dempsey was class. 3 World Cups, 3 goals. Pepi gets Pin Head 2014. Idiocy of the highest order. The US should beat a very average Portugal. Germany AS EVER advance. Amazing record in the World Cup finals.

I'm happy about the U.S. win, but it wasn't all that convincing. They played most of the game on their heels but capitalized on a couple of lightning strikes. Dempsey's goal was a thing of beauty.

21 shots to 8, Ghana were really wasteful, but the US deserve a bit of luck given what's happened to them in past world cups.

that's what I meant by the shots didn't mean all that much for Japan-Ivory coast either. if they didn't put every player on Drogba and leave them wide open to put in the perfect cross they could have won also. The African teams other than maybe Zambia (not at the WC) don't have any creativity its just pure power.

Great game by the U.S. Tough losing Altidore.

USA ! USA ! USA !

Asakura Cowboy

Dodgy penalty for the first goal and overreaction from Muller to an 'elbow' got the defender sent off.

Uh, no. Pepe headbutting Muller who was sitting on his ass was what got him sent off. Up until he walked up, bent down and knocked his head into Muller's head there wasn't even a whistle, penalty, or card for the preceding collision between the two. Portugal have no one to blame but Pepe for the outcome of this match as the penalty was absolutely to be expected from a World Cup referee.

As for the USA-Ghana match, my heart rate still hasn't returned to normal from watching it. Both sides played like they were in the final round; probably the best group stage match we'll see this tournament. Can't wait for USA to take on a shell-shocked Portugal (minus Pepe to boot) on Sunday.

Portugal have no one to blame but Pepe for the outcome of this match as the penalty was absolutely to be expected from a World Cup referee.

Not really, they were outmatched and lost it well before the red-card. Certainly didn't help though.

Can't wait for USA to take on a shell-shocked Portugal (minus Pepe to boot) on Sunday.

Many people were hoping Pepe would play against the USA so he could get the red then, lol. His mental breakdown happened too fast.

'the penalty was absolutely to be expected from a World Cup referee'

You mean we should expect World Cup referees to make dodgy decisions which affect the whole game? If the penalty hadn't been awarded and scored, I doubt Germany would've ended up winning 4-0, though who knows if the red card incident would've happened. One poor decision changes everything as we saw in the Brazil vs. Croatia game.

Good to see America triumph. I have liked watching them in the past . I missed the game. I hope they make the most of having Klinsmann as their coach.... now there was a masterful diver.

Asakura Cowboy

The call wasn't dodgy in any way whatsoever. The penalty was on Pepe for his headbutt NOT for his collision with Muller. Any referee in any league would have penalized a player for doing what Pepe did. My point also though is that in general in the World Cup, which is officiated by referees from all over the world, a penalty that may be ignored in some leagues will most likely be awarded. Everyone knows this and has to play accordingly, so for a player to intentionally do something extreme like Pepe did (not during the play but afterwards as a reaction) and not expect to be penalized is unrealistic. Again, the referee hadn't called anything on the collision between Pepe and Muller nor for Muller being down on the pitch making an appeal for a penalty. he only blew his whistle AFTER Pepe headbutted Muller. Pepe might as well have signed his own red card when he chose to go out of his way to knock heads with his opponent. You can't blame the ref for ruining the match; Pepe did that all by himself.

Thrilling match by USA and Ghana. Both sides played their best at full power. But I think that US players got tired way too soon, it was too hot and humid in Natal, TV reporters kept saying, which was a plus to Ghanese players. The last goal was pure emotion, I almost swallowed the apple I was eating in one piece. LOL. Good luck USA!!

Somebody tell the Coach of Portugal that they need to put some more players in the field... trying to win a world cup only with Cristiano Ronaldo is no possible.. less against Germany...

The penalty was on Pepe for his headbutt NOT for his collision with Muller. Any referee in any league would have penalized a player for doing what Pepe did.

By "penalty" Asakura meant the PK Germany got to score their first goal, not the red card...

Yes I'm talking about the penalty as in PK. (I think there's some American vs. British English confusion going on here!). Anyway, just to be clear, I'm not saying the red card wasn't justifed, I'm saying that the decision to award Germany a penalty kick when the German player was hardly touched was in my opinion unfair, and possibly a game-changing moment. As we all know the head-butting incident came later when Germany were already winning.

The pen was justified. Just like the one in the Bra/Cro game, you simply aren't allowed to have your hands on your opponent. I am glad that the referees are being consistent on this one. It has made for a cleaner game and we're seeing so far the best collection of world cup matches as a result. As for Pepe. That guy is a clown. And he has history. His carry-on is irritating, he's always been like that playing for Real Madrid and now it has come and bit him at the WC playing for Portugal. His petulance let his whole team down and all Portuguese fans who watched that match.

Asakura Cowboy

Oh you were talking about the PK. I see. Still, I don't think the penalty was as controversial or dodgy as you say. Götze had beaten Pereira and had control of the ball well inside the box when he was brought down. Pereira does indeed grab Götze's sleeve. Could Götze have stayed up? Possibly. Should he have given the location (in the box)? I'd say no. Again, to think that a penalty like that wouldn't be awarded by a FIFA referee in a World Cup is unrealistic.

https://vine.co/v/MId6Ut1hT1Q

Asakura Cowboy: "Dodgy penalty for the first goal and overreaction from Muller to an 'elbow' got the defender sent off."

Not dodgy one bit, and it wasn't the elbow that got Pepe sent off, it was what was essentially a headbutt after that got him sent out. It was a PERFECTLY justifiable red card, and that you choose to ignore all the replays, and even the main photo and photos at the bottom of the article is your choice. Pepe deserved to be thrown out, and the ref deserves a pat on the back for not allowing Pepe's behaviour to continue.

Until Pepe was thrown out, though, I'd say Portugal seemed to play the long ball a lot better and the passing was a lot more skilled, but Germany had the short game and the better defense. In the second half, though, Germany just danced around Portugal. Anyway, looks like Germany's in good condition to go far. Maybe Portugal can come back.

psycho pepe and the cry baby failing, ha ha schadenfreude

Muller should be embarrassed - what a wimp and bad actor. Yes, Pepe was an idiot but it is clear to see that he was reacting to Muller's theatrics. That incident ruined the game. Ref should have shown better judgement & gave him yellow instead of red.

Are you actually suggesting a headbutt gets a yellow card? What game have you been watching as no, a headbutt always gets a red card. Might want to ask Zidane about that.

Was Mueller over the top when he get elbowed? Yep but as someone else stated, the game was still going on. Pepe got what he deserved. Frankly, I'm surprised he hasn't been fined. The ref was correct and Portugal can blame Pepe and themselves for the thrashing.

The PK is certainly questionable. I thought Portugal deserved one PK themselves that wasn't given but there were a few calls not made - some serious shirt grabbing in the box for example. I thought the ref was great and I think even without the PK, Portugal would've been spanked 3-0 or the 4-0 we saw.

We can't know whether the red card was decisive or not to Portugal. There have been games which the 10-sided team won over the other, complete.

What a breathtaking game between the USA and Ghana! My heart sank when Ghana tied, and then skipped a beat when the U.S. scored.

If you look at overall possesion, Ghana was clearly the winner. You felt that it was only a matter of time before they were going to put one in. But with that said, the US defense played brilliantly. Very good control of the offsides line, lots of double teaming on challenges. About all Ghana could do, was to cross it in the middle and hope.

But...the US really needed more offensive push. Losing Altidore was a huge loss, and that's when Ghana seemed to take control of the game. But one man shouldn't make a difference.

If I could call out anyone, it would be Bradley. He had some huge plays defensively and in midfield, but there were two goal scoring opportunites he should have had. One was a cross from the right into the middle, which he let go by him to another player. Should've connected on that himself. And another was a cross from the left to the far post which he should've headed in. I was shocked cause he didn't even try for those. Hope someone says something to him.

Anyway...so Happy for the U.S.

I didn´t watch USA-Ghana, but from the reports it seems the Americans are in great shape. I love it! That will make for good game Germany-USA next week! Will be fun to watch.

For those of you saying the U.S. did not attack enough, That was part of the game plan. Klinsmann knew the U.S. players couldn't run with the boys from Ghana so the plan was " score when you have the chance but never let the defense break down". That said, the U.S. defense was very disciplined pretty much throughtout the match as was pointed out by the analyist I saw on TV here in Norway.

Klinsmann has a different strategy for each of the U.S. opponents because they all play different styles of football. Something the Japanese coach might want to think about.

How about Tim Howard I thought he was absolutely awesome in goal tonight.

Klinsmann has a different strategy for each of the U.S. opponents because they all play different styles of football. Something the Japanese coach might want to think about.

Zac is not so bad, but Japan should higher a coach with International experience. I don't know why they keep hiring first timers (Zico, Zac) or old-timers (Osim)

Zac is not so bad, but Japan should higher a coach with International experience.

Difference between Kilnsmann and Zac: Klinsmann speaks the same language as his players, understands, likes, and has a connection to the country, can communicate his ideas directly, quickly to the players and is charismatic. Zac: none of those things.

The U.S team played brilliantly compared to Japan's which was embarrassed by their overconfidence.

Today we saw the strong spirit that Americans have when it comes to a match.

Not long ago there was an article of JT that claimed soccer is NOT popular in the U.S. Obviously today's results beg to differ. Giving everybody a chance to play the sport is more important than if you can make a buck off it or sell lots of merchandise. Evidence of that came when Brooks, a very young man playing in his FIRST World Cup, came off the bench and made the difference.

Allowing everyone to get involved is more important than playing favorites. In challenging times, Americans really step up.

an article of JT that claimed soccer is NOT popular in the U.S.

Soccer is the 2nd most popular sport among American youth.

No... Soccer isn't popular in the U.S. - http://goo.gl/9T2sZa

@techall

I couldn't agree with you enough about the US defense. Very very strong. Just thinking about it now made me decide to watch the game again when I get home.

@Davealltogether

Yes, Tim Howard was a beast of a keeper. Awesome saves and poise.

I am unfamiliar with all the players names, but I read that Cameron was tremendous at defense. Think I'll focus on him as I watch the game again.

smith in Japan I didn't say the elbow got him sent off, I said the overreaction by Muller got him sent off. If Muller hadn't reacted in such a ridiculous manner i.e. going down like a sack of potatoes clutching his face when Pepe hardly touched him, then Pepe would not have 'headbutted' him, therefore wouldn't have been sent off. Yes 'send off' is the correct terminology my friend not 'send out'. I guess you 'soccer' fans aren't familiar with football terminology.

After losing forwards Altidore and Ghana breaking Dempsey's nose so he could no longer breathe normally in hot humid running match, the US just had to hold on. Scoring on set piece --a German staple-- is what they had to capitalize on. Winning gritty, the good bad and ugly, is the American way.

I said the overreaction by Muller got him sent off. If Muller hadn't reacted in such a ridiculous manner i.e. going down like a sack of potatoes clutching his face when Pepe hardly touched him, then Pepe would not have 'headbutted' him, therefore wouldn't have been sent off. Yes 'send off' is the correct terminology my friend not 'send out'. I guess you 'soccer' fans aren't familiar with football terminology.

No, his headbutt got him sent off, not Mueller doing anything. Pepe is known for his temper and he DID elbow Mueller. Yes, Mueller milked it but Pepe is resposonsible for himself and his reaction was way over the top. You do not headbutt anyone. Ever. When someone is being all dramatic you walk away and hope THEY get the card. Pepe didn't and headbutted a guy who was SITTING on the pitch. Again, the game was still in play up until that point and Pepe was dumb enough a to headbutt and b) do it right in front of the ref. Portugal needs to learn to keep their wit's about them. All apart of the game and they fell hook, line and sinker.

Someone agrees with me at least....

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/desmond-kane/muller-hero-villain-spectre-play-acting-dilutes-germany-191154671.html

oh please, nobody is praising muller and in fact any serious football fan hates divers and that kind of stuff but the reaction, that's what got him sent off, that and unfortunately that refs are more likely to punish him and players like him because of his long history, the same with players that are always faking faults, they are going to get away with some stuff but sometimes refs just ignore them even if they were actually fouled

Asakura Cowboy

It seems to me like you're trying to have your cake and eat it too. You clearly stated earlier that your problem with Muller was with the penalty (and resultant PK) awarded to when he was brought down in the box in the first half. However the article you just linked is only makes a case against Muller for his alleged "play acting" after being struck in the face by Pepe in the second half resulting in Pepe's sending off. The article doesn't support your beef with Muller, which is what he did to earn Germany their first goal via a penalty kick, so it's kind of strange that you'd link it.

davestrousers: "Difference between Kilnsmann and Zac:"

Well, argue what you want, but ask yourself who hired him, and who, in the end, is to blame if they make him the scapegoat.

Asakura Cowboy: "smith in Japan I didn't say the elbow got him sent off, I said the overreaction by Muller got him sent off."

And the overreaction you mention is undermined by the fact that you refuse to acknowledge Pepe wrongfully headbutting Mueller.

"Dodgy penalty for the first goal and overreaction from Muller to an 'elbow' got the defender sent off."

So no, you don't say it was the elbow, but you don't say it was the headbutt, either. In other words, you blame Pepe being sent off on Meuller and not on Pepe himself.

" Yes 'send off' is the correct terminology my friend not 'send out'. I guess you 'soccer' fans aren't familiar with football terminology."

Bottom line is that Pepe being sent off was 100% justifiable, and amusingly enough your link proves it. Nicely done, mate!

Pepe fouled Muller with a hand in his face when both jumped for a ball. Muller dropped like he'd been hitten by a hammer and pretended to be in agony on the ground (=playacting). Pepe saw this and was annoyed that Muller was overreacting to try to get a foul given or even a card for the tackle. Pepe pushed his head against Mullers and Muller dropped again. Pepe gets immediate red card.

Now, what I said earlier and what others are saying as well is that Muller had a huge part in all of this and his theatrical playacting pretending to be injured was the cause of Pepe's tantrum. Yes, of course head butting is a red card offence and Pepe deserved to go. The argument is that Muller could have been more of a man about it and not drop at the original foul which caused the incident.

Anyway, onwards to next game.,.

AManinJapan: "Pepe pushed his head against Mullers and Muller dropped again. Pepe gets immediate red card."

Glad you can admit the cause for the red card is the cause for the red card. It's the funniest thing with you guys when you pretend it wasn't Pepe's actions that got him the card and possibly cost Portugal the game.

"The argument is that Muller could have been more of a man about it and not drop at the original foul which caused the incident."

It wasn't that bad until Pepe did what he did. You can all blame Mueller and claim he overplayed a hit to the face (ever had one yourself?), but that does not excuse the fact that Pepe brought it on himself and for the rest of his life his arrogance is going to haunt the Portuguese team, especially if they don't make it do round two.

"Now, what I said earlier and what others are saying as well is that Muller had a huge part in all of this "

Precisely right! He had the audacity to accept an assault on his face by a player quite well known for causing trouble, then taking issue with it when head-butted after the fact. Imagine the gall!!

Asakura Cowboy:

" Someone agrees with me at least.... https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/desmond-kane/muller-hero-villain-spectre-play-acting-dilutes-germany-191154671.html "

Errr. your article says: "It was more a press in the face than a outright headbutt, but Pepe had to walk for violent intent. " Which is what most people here (me included) seem to think.

So you decided to join the majority now?

. Pepe pushed his head against Mullers and Muller dropped again.

Wrong. Muelle was ON THE GROUND when Pepe head butted him. There was also no way Mueller wasn't going to go down after the jump and the clock to the face - and I do agree with you that he milked it for all it was worth but you said yourself it was a foul. It was also a foul that went uncalled. Mueller was playing Portugal. A team well known for their diving, drama and prissy boy Ronaldo crying at the drop of the hat. Mueller was just playing their game and won.