Three-time champion Germany scored two goals in each half to beat Australia 4-nil in Group D action. Lukas Podolski started the rout by rounding off a slick passing move in the eighth minute.

Then Miroslav Klose headed in his 11th career World Cup goal in the 26th. In the second half, Thomas Mueller dragged the ball back to avoid a lunge from Scott Chipperfield, sending a low shot in off the post. Just two minutes later, Germany made it 4-nil. Brazilian-born striker Cacau slotted the ball in from eight yards with his first touch of the game, one minute after he replaced Klose.

Earlier on Sunday, Slovenia beat Algeria one-nil in their opening World Cup contest, with a 79th minute shot from Slovenia captain Robert Koren. With the same result, Ghana came away with a one-nil victory over Serbia, when Asamoha Gyan buried the penalty kick in the back of the net at almost the end of the game.