Perennial favorites Germany got off a to a strong start in Brazil on Monday, with a ruthless display during its 4-0 win over Portugal, who weren't helped by the stupidity of defender Pepe.<br /><br />Striker Thomas Muller ensured he would be taking home the match ball with a hat-trick, increasing his World Cup tally to an impressive eight goals in just seven games, while leaving World Footballer of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo firmly in the shadows.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in the tie between the Black Stars and the Stars and Stripes, Clint Dempsey's superb first minute goal against Ghana helped Team USA earn a 2-1 victory, gaining revenge for losses to the Africans in the previous two world cups.<br /><br />Tuesday was a tale of two keepers, as Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa repelled Brazil almost single-handedly meaning it was a frustrating night for Neymar and company.<br /><br />Before Russia's Igor Akinfeev delivered the World Cup's first howler in his team's opening 1-1 draw against South Korea, fumbling a long-range shot into the net to give Korea the lead.<br /><br />But his blushes were spared by teammate Kerzhakov, who bundled home an equaliser just six minutes later.
