Three times World Champions, Germany have kick started their FIFA World Cup campaign on a high note after they thumped Australia 4-0.

The Socceroos were no match for the Germans who controlled most ball possession throughout the game.

The first goal came through the boots of Lukas Podolski which was a well planned set piece.

The second goal came in the 27th minute through Miroslav Klose.

Thomas Mueller and Cacau also put their name on the score sheet for Germany.

Australia's Tim Cahill was also red carded in the match for a dangerous tackle mid way in the second half.

Meanwhile, it was a stupid handball that gifted Ghana a penalty in the final stages, as Serbia fell 1 0 in Group D in the FIFA World Cup.

The penalty came in the 74th minute of the play.

The impressive Gyan, who also hit the post twice for Ghana, fired home from the spot in 84th minute after a Serbia defender had been adjudged to have handled a cross in the area.

That sealed a closely fought Group D encounter at Loftus Versfeld stadium and puts Ghana in a promising position to progress through to the knockout phase in their second appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals.

 
For Serbia, who were playing with a man less since the 74th minute following the dismissal of Lukovic, they now have a mountain to climb as they face group favorites Germany in their next match.

Meanwhile, in a match played last night, Slovenia defeated Algeria 1-0.