Witters Sport
Brazil lost to Germany in the World Cup semifinal match by six goals. SIX. That wasn’t even the worst part.
In the heat and under the watchful eyes of the Brazil faithful in Belo Horizonte, Germany put on a clinic as they routed Brazil on their way to the finals. It was as though the semifinal match were just a tune-up game. Müller. Klose. Kroos. Kroos, again. Khedira. The floodgates opened early on in the first half and the goals just kept coming. Germany was the first team to score so many in a competitive match against Brazil in 74 years.
#GER is the first team to score 6 goals against #BRA in an official match since 1940. #BRAvsGER—
ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 08, 2014
The seven goals were also the most ever scored in a semifinal, and ended Brazil’s 39-year unbeaten streak at home. The last loss came in a 3-1 defeat against Peru in the Copa Americana semifinal in 1975.
But that was then, and this is the World Cup. Today’s loss was the worst loss suffered by any World Cup host nation ever, and not by a nose hair, either.
#GER 7, #BRA 1… Today's score was the worst loss by a host country in #WorldCup history, doubling the previous record margin. #BRAvsGER—
ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 08, 2014
To add insult to injury, German striker Miroslav Klose netted his 16th World Cup goal, the second of the match, surpassing Brazil legend Ronaldo in front of his eyes, in his home country, against his home team, in not only their, but the most defacing loss in World Cup history.
This loss was particularly crushing not only in the context of Brazil’s fabled history as a soccer giant, but also in present-day.
With controversy regarding debt and corruption swirling around the South American nation, Brazil needed this win. Or at least to not be so humiliated in their own country.
Before kick-off, Brazilians turned out — as they had throughout the World Cup — in droves to watch the game. Then David Luiz drifted in position during a routine set piece early on, Thomas Müller capitalized, and everyone’s hearts sank.
Robert Hanashiro – USA Today Sports
What followed was a brutal, agonizing failure of historic proportions. The only relief came late when Oscar pulled one back in the 90th minute. By then, it was far too little, much too late.
Brazil will play the loser of the Netherlands-Argentina match on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. But a third place win will likely be a lowly prize to a disappointed country.
Brazil's Oscar lies on the pitch after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Germany's Andre Schuerrle celebrates after scoring his side's seventh goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar lies on the pitch during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Francois Xavier Marit, Pool)
Germany's Andre Schuerrle, second from right, number 9, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
Brazil's David Luiz reacts after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Francois Xavier Marit, Pool)
Brazil's Luiz Gustavo reacts after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar, bottom right, lies on the pitch as Brazil's Marcelo, left, picks up the ball from the net after Germany's Andre Schuerrle scored, during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. Top right is Brazil's Luiz Gustavo. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
Germany's Andre Schuerrle, right, celebrates after scoring during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup.(AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
Germany's Andre Schuerrle (9) scores during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
Brazil team players leave the field after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
Brazil's David Luiz, left and Luiz Gustavo react after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
Brazil's Luiz Gustavo lies on the pitch as David Luiz looks at him during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari leaves the pitch after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
The scoreboard shows the final score at 7-1 during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari talks to his players after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari talks to his players after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
Brazil's David Luiz is on his kneels after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
Brazil's Marcelo reacts after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
Brazil's Oscar scores during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
Brazil's Oscar scores during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Francois Xavier Marit, Pool)
Brazil's Oscar scores during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Francois Xavier Marit, Pool)
Germany's Andre Schuerrle celebrates scoring his side's 6th goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, Pool)
The scoreboard shows the final score at 7-1 during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger celebrates after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany won the match 7-1. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
German players stand in front of spectators after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Germany's Benedikt Hoewedes (4) is tripped by Brazil's Paulinho (8) during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Brazil's Paulinho (8) slides to kick the ball away from Germany's Benedikt Hoewedes (4) during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Germany's Miroslav Klose, left, and Brazil's David Luiz battle for the ball during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Germany's Thomas Mueller, center, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Germany's Sami Khedira, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's fifth goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
A Brazil supporter reacts during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Germany's Toni Kroos, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)
Brazil supporters holding Neymar face masks react after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A Brazil supporter wearing a Neymar face mask sits in the stands after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Brazil supporters react after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A Brazil supporter reacts after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A Brazil supporter reacts after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Brazilian supporters holding Neymar face masks react after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A Brazilian supporter holding a Neymar face mask reacts after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Germany's Thomas Mueller, right, tries to take the ball round Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
A Brazil supporter cries after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Brazil supporters react after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Germany's Andre Schuerrle celebrates with Thomas Mueller, right, after scoring his side's seventh goal during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Brazil supporters react after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany won the match 7-1. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
German supporters celebrate after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany won the match 7-1. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
A young supporter watches players on the field after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Germany's Thomas Mueller, right, tries to take the ball round Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar and Luiz Gustavo during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Brazil supporters react after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Brazil supporters react after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
A Brazil supporter reacts after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
Brazil's goalkeeper Julio Cesar walks on the pitch during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany has routed host Brazil 7-1 and advanced to the final of the World Cup. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
A Brazil supporter reacts after Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 to advance to the finals during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
German fans celebrate after the World Cup semifinal soccer match between Brazil and Germany at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Tuesday, July 8, 2014. Germany beat Brazil 7-1. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)