Hat-trick hero Thomas Mueller shatters Ronaldo's dreams

Thomas Mueller’s hat-trick inspired Germany to a ruthless 4-0 mauling of 10-man Portugal in their opener on Monday, hammering home their credentials as serious title contenders in Brazil and shattering Cristiano Ronaldo’s dreams of dominating the World Cup.

Billed as a clash of European heavyweights, the Germans ignored the soaring Salvador heat to deliver a sizzling attacking display against a disappointing Portugal, effectively ending the group G game as a contest by half-time.

Portugal could not cope with the pace and movement of their much more organised and fitter-looking opponents and were 3-0 down by the interval as Mueller, marking his 50th international, scored either side of a thumping Mats Hummels header.

“It’s glorious to score three goals in a game like that,” said Mueller.

“That doesn’t happen every day, but I have had a good run at World Cups and I wanted to pick up where I left off,” added Mueller, who burst on to the international stage at the 2010 showpiece where he finished joint top-scorer with five goals.

 “We got into the match really well and had some half chances, then suddenly we were ahead 2-0. In heat like this a lead like that is a great advantage.”

WATCH: Mats Hummels heads in