Figure it’s a pretty safe bet that Day 5 of the 2014 World Cup will be remembered for quite some time.
Here’s how the day shook out:
Germany 4-0 Portugal | Full Recap
One of the higher-profile matches of the tournament so far quickly turned into its most one-sided, with Germany scoring twice in the first 32 minutes to take an early 2-0 lead.
Then, Portugal defender Pepe did this to Germany’s Thomas Muller in the 37th minute.
Pepe was rightly ejected for his little head butt, reducing Portugal to 10 men and effectively securing the win for Germany. The only remaining question: How many goals would Die Mannschaft end up with?
They ended up putting a four-spot on Portugal, with Muller scoring in the 12th, 45th and 78th minutes to notch a hat trick. Only 24, Muller now has eight goals in eight career World Cup games.
Monday’s win leaves Germany well atop Group G, ahead of the U.S. by three in goal differential. Portugal is in dead last in the group and looks in danger of completely unraveling. Both sides will return to action this weekend, with Germany taking on Ghana on Saturday and Portugal playing the U.S. on Sunday.
Iran 0-0 Nigeria | Full Recap
Literally nothing notable came out of this match.
Nigeria and Iran will both be in action on Saturday, with Iran taking on Argentina and Nigeria facing off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Let's move on.
Ghana 1-2 USA | Full Recap
What an amazing finish for the U.S.
The U.S. went ahead through Clint Dempsey after just 29 seconds (!!!) and then attempted to hang on for dear life for 89:30. They almost made it, but couldn’t quite squeak through with a clean sheet, allowing Ghana’s Andre Ayew to equalize in the 86th minute.
Then John Brooks happened. Long live John Brooks.
The U.S. was able to hang on in the final five minutes, toppling Ghana to move into second in Group G.
Lest we forget, RSL Captain Kyle Beckerman put in quite the display for the U.S., locking Ghana down in a 90 minute performance for Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad. More about Beckerman’s performance here.
Beckerman and the Yanks have wounded Portugal on tap next, taking on Cristiano and co. on Sunday. Ghana will return to the field on Saturday, taking on Group G leaders – and early tournament favorites – Germany.
