Germany out gun, outclass Australians

Germany and Australia met in a competitive fixture for the first time in five years in Durban, as the three time world champions looked to get their World Cup campaign off to a flying start. (Getty Images)

Australian fans came in their thousands, outnumbering their German counterparts, hoping for an upset victory. (Getty Images)

Within seven minutes, their hopes were shattered as Podolski capped off a fine German move, to thunder the ball past Mark Schwarzer in goal. (Getty Images)

The Australian's struggled to hold back the tide, as the Germans cut through their defence time after time, with Klose missing a sitter from right in front of goal. (Getty Images)

He soon made amends with a bullet header, coming from a pin point cross from Germany's captain, Phillip Lahm. (Getty Images)

Things got worse for Australia, as their lone star player, Tim Cahill, went into a rash challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger, which resulted in a straight red card and his dismissal. (Getty Images)

Having a man up sent the German's attack into overdrive, and it was only a matter of time before the fourth goal came, courtesy of Thomas Muller after a clever 'give-and-go' with Podolski. (Getty Images)

Mezut Ozil, the 21 year old who replaced Michael Ballack in midfield then proved to be an adequate replacement, as he timed his run perfectly to collect a Muller pass, which he then cut back for Cacau to stroke home from a few yards out. (Getty Images)

Germany's fans were delirious by now, and bayed for more goals, but having wrapped up the victory, the Germans eased off, and strolled to a comfortable 4-0 win. (Getty Images)

The Germans now face the Serbia in their next game, who, having lost to Ghana, will likely be a sterner test than the Australians, who will now be facing a fired up Ghana side. (Getty Images)