Known more as a methodical team than a creative one the Germans scored several goals Sunday night in a 4-0 rout of Australia. Germany scored two goals in each half and Tim Cahill was sent off as the three-time champion surged to the top of Group D at the World Cup.

Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose scored in the first 30 minutes as Australia coach Pim Verbeek's defensive tactics backfired.

Thomas Mueller and Cacau also scored against an overwhelmed Australian defense in the second half after Cahill was red-carded in the 56th minute for a late tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The Germans' dominant win, played in front of 62,660 fans at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, came without injured captain Michael Ballack.

Earlier Sunday, Asamoah Gyan scored on a penalty kick to give Ghana a 1-0 win over Serbia in the opening Group D match, The Huffington Post reported.