BRAZIL 2014 Germany splendor, USA willpower

THE DAY REPLAYED There can be no doubt that Matchday 5 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ was one of premieres and series. Not only did Thomas Muller score the first hat-trick of the tournament in Germany’s 4-0 thumping of Portugal, but Nigeria and Iran recorded the first goalless draw - doing so in game 13.

On top of that, in netting the fastest goal at Brazil 2014 so far against Ghana, USA’s Clint Dempsey wrote his name in his country’s record books. And after succumbing to 2-1 defeats to the Black Stars at the past two finals, the Stars and Stripes finally got their own back, and with a measure of poetic justice at that, winning 2-1. 

Meanwhile, FIFA Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will be happy to have the game against title favourites Germany behind him. The victors of that encounter became the first side to reach a century of World Cup matches, chalking up their 61st win to go alongside 19 draws and 20 defeats.

Results
Germany 4-0 Portugal - Budweiser Man of the Match: Thomas Muller (GER)
Iran 0-0 Nigeria - Budweiser Man of the Match: John Obi Mikel (NGA)
Ghana 1-2 USA - Budweiser Man of the Match: Clint Dempsey (USA)