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2014 FIFA World Cup: Germany dominates Portugal, 4-0

Thomas Muller (center) notched a hat trick to lead Germany past Portugal. (Getty Images)
By Jeff Borzello | CBSSports.com
  
Thomas Muller (center) notched a hat trick to lead Germany past Portugal. (Getty Images)
Thomas Muller (center) notched a hat trick to lead Germany past Portugal. (Getty Images)

FINAL SCORE: Germany 4, Portugal 0

This was one of the most anticipated battles of the opening round of matches. Germany, one of the favorites to win the World Cup, taking on Portugal, led by perhaps the best player in the world in Ronaldo. “The Superpower versus the Superstar,” as ESPN said before the match.

Well, that went out the window very quickly.

Portugal actually looked like the better side for the first 10 minutes or so, getting some chances on the counter with Ronaldo and Nani speeding up the flanks, and the midfielders looking to dispossess Phillipp Lahm and Semi Khedira in the center of the mark. But then Joao Pereira yanked down Mario Gotze inside the box, leading to a penalty call from the referee. Thomas Muller buried it from the spot.

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