So, yeah. There was really little chance that Australia could keep up with Germany, but did they have to be so damned precise and clinical about defeating us? There’s really no much you can salvage from a 4-0 thrashing. The only consolation is that it wasn’t against USA. This loss is in stark contrast to the 2006 first round win against Japan, and has Australia staring down the barrel of an early exit from the 2010 World Cup. The team that was so competitive against the might of Italy and Brazil four years ago under Guus Hiddink looked a distant memory as the Socceroos paid dearly for their inability to find new talent – particularly in defence – since the last World Cup. It could have been so different for the Socceroos had they converted a great chance in the third minute when the ball seemed to hang in mid air for an eternity in front of a  gaping goal after Cahill’s header from an early corner caused a rare moment of panic from the Germany defence. But you don’t get two chances against Germany and after that brief moment of hope, it was all one-way traffic as the younger German side did as it pleased.

I’m surprised at the % Possession stats. I thought Germany controlled more of the ball. The quality of that possession was much higher and more effective than the Socceroos. It was really a marvel to watch this team, and I’m glad I stayed up. The The game was over long before Cahill got red carded.

Australia can’t afford another loss or even a tie, and now needs two wins from Ghana and Serbia to advance.