Mueller's hat-trick heroics

Golden Boot winner in 2010, Thomas Mueller put himself in real contention to regain the award with a near-perfect display against Portugal. Clinical in front of goal, Mueller showcased the talents that have seen him score 20 times for Germany in 50 appearances. Never mind international team-mate Miroslav Klose, at just 24 years of age and eight World Cup goals to his name already, Mueller is on course to blitz Ronaldo's World Cup goalscoring record if he stays fit for future tournaments.

Pepe sees red 

There was something all too inevitable about Pepe losing his head and getting sent off. Mueller will not come out of the incident smelling of roses and his reaction to Pepe's initial 'hand off' was reminiscent of Rivaldo's theatrics in 2002. Saying that, Pepe responded like only Pepe can and the Real Madrid centre-halve can have no complaints (although he will make them) after lightly butting his opponent. His absence will be felt by Portugal as they try and turn their World Cup around and Pepe could well end up the villain of the piece if they fail to do so.

Ronaldo's disappearing act

Woefully short of supply and clearly nowhere near match sharpness after injury, the world's best player was absent for the majority of the game. So much is expected of Cristiano Ronaldo that his abject showing was disappointing despite him obviously being rushed into action for his side's biggest game of the group stage. How the Portugal captain reacts and leads his side from here on out will give a clear indication of his qualities. This World Cup is still there for the taking and is begging out for Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to take centre stage but the former needs to spur into action immediately.

Coentrao and Hummels limp off

Both integral members of their respective team's defences, the injuries to Portugal's Fabio Coentrao and Germany centre-back Mats Hummels were worrying sights for their fans. While Hummels, who scored his side's second goal, seemed to be withdrawn as a precaution after falling heavily, Coentrao's knock was far more serious. The Real left-back was stretchered off the pitch with what looked like a hamstring injury and if he were to miss a large proportion of the tournament it would provide Paulo Bento with serious worries over a beleaguered back line already missing Pepe for at least one match, possibly three.

Klose no closer

Just two goals shy of bettering 'The' Ronaldo's World Cup record of 15 goals, last night seemed the perfect opportunity for Miroslav Klose to add to his tally. Klose must have been licking his lips at the prospect of taking on the tired ten-men of Portugal but it wasn't to be for the Bayern forward. His time will come in Brazil and you wouldn't bet against him popping up with a critical goal at some stage during the competition. But up against a Portuguese defence being torn to shreds you can't help but feel the scene was set for Klose to edge closer to topping the history books.