The 30 greatest moments of the World Cup: When Germany destroyed Brazil in the 2014 semi-final
IT was the semi-final that was supposed to be the final. Two football superpowers, with Brazil predestined to lift the trophy on home soil. But Germany left the hosts in tatters and a nation in tears.
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IT was the semi-final that was supposed to be the final. Two football superpowers, with Brazil predestined to lift the trophy on home soil. But Germany left the hosts in tatters and a nation in tears.
The World Cup has seen some upsets in his time — but nothing compares to what unfolded after kick-off at the Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte in July 2014.
What was the ‘moment’: The humiliation of Brazil
Which World Cup was it? Brazil 2014
Countries involved: Brazil and Germany
It was arguably the most surreal game at the World Cup ever.
Brazil had lost superstar Neymar to injury and captain Thiago Silva to suspension but were still expected to beat Germany on home soil to reach the final and claim redemption for the shock 2-1 loss to eternal rivals Uruguay in the 1950 final at the Maracana.
But what happened on this day was much, much worse.
Brazil were humiliated.
What happened in 29 minutes from when referee Marco Rodríguez from Mexico blew the whistle to start the game was unbelievable.
Brazil crumbled in front of an audience of billions, they were down 5-0 before anyone in the stadium or watching on whatever screen they could access had a chance to digest one of the most ruthless displays of German power football.
It was the biggest ever winning margin in a World Cup semi-final. The worst ever loss by a host country. The fastest four goals in World Cup history. And the result saw Germany overtake Brazil as the World Cup highest scoring nation, with striker Miroslav Klose overtaking Brazilian Ronaldo as the World Cup’s top goalscorer.
Die Mannschaft were ruthless — although, at one stage of the match in the second half (the 90th minute) they did show some mercy by allowing Oscar to score.
They slowed down the goals rate with an obvious eye on the final at the Maracana.
Selecao fans inside the stadium were crying uncontrollably as Germany dissected a Brazil side which was, in the end, a mess physically and psychologically.
Germany went on to win the tournament, defeating Argetina 1-0 in the final, after Brazil copped its biggest loss since losing 6-0 to Uruguay in 1920.
RE-LIVE THE GREATEST MOMENTS:
DAY ONE: Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal
DAY TWO: Roy Keane’s epic ‘f*****g” rant
DAY THREE: Luis Suarez’s extraordinary brain explosion
DAY FOUR: The greatest goal celebration in World Cup history
DAY FIVE: The battle of Nuremburg
Originally published as The 30 greatest moments of the World Cup: When Germany destroyed Brazil in the 2014 semi-final
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