World Cup: Brazil dreams destroyed by ruthless Germany

Germany vs. Brazil, 2014 World Cup: Kickoff time and TV schedule

Die Mannschaft humiliate hosts 7-1 to reach final

 

Despite being the two most successful teams in international soccer, Brazil and Germany have had their greatest periods of success apart from each other. They've rarely met on the biggest stage, but they'll come together in the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday.

Brazil will always be the favorites to win any match at home, but Germany will certainly see an opening with the Selecao's two biggest stars out for the game. Captain and central defender Thiago Silva is suspended for yellow card accumulation, while the country's golden boy Neymar is out for the remainder of the tournament with a fractured vertebra in his back. 

Marcelo of Brazil reacts after Germany scored a goal during the World Cup semifinal match played Tuesday, July 8, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Germany won by an astonishing score of 7-1.

  First there was disbelief. Then there were tears. Brazil's World Cup dream was ended in humiliating fashion after it was obliterated 7-1 in the semifinals by Germany.

Beaten, battered and bloodied and this a nation which had not lost a competitive home game since 1975, Brazil conceded five times in 18 minutes during the first half as Germany ran riot.

Thomas Muller's 11th minute strike gave Germany the lead before four goals in six minutes destroyed Brazil's hopes of winning the tournament on home soil.

Miroslav Klose became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 16 when he netted his side's second, firing home the rebound after Julio Cesar had saved his initial effort.

Recap: How the drama unfolded

A minute later it was 3-0 -- Toni Kroos thumping home from the edge of the penalty area as Brazil imploded.

The Germans have been mildly disappointing so far in this tournament, struggling to wins over Algeria and the United States, but they're still undefeated. They were also impressive defensively in their quarterfinal, holding a previously potent France attack scoreless. They'll like their chances to spring an upset with Brazil's stars out, especially since they're starting to get healthy. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, who entered the tournament with fitness concerns, appear to be the healthiest they've been so far in the tournament.

Match date/time: Tuesday, 4 p.m. ET

Venue: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

With Brazil floored, Germany's ruthless streak came to the fore with Kroos adding his second after a one-two with Sami Khedira.

And it was Khedira who made it five, finishing coolly after neat interplay with Mesut Ozil to leave Luis Felipe Scolari's men decimated.

Booed off at the interval, there was little to cheer about in the second half with Andre Schurrle's 69th minute strike rubbing salt in Brazilian wounds.

As Brazilian fans began to leave Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, Schurrle netted a spectacular seventh to inflict the nation's heaviest ever defeat.

Oscar's late effort reduced the deficit to a mere six, but not even he could bring himself to celebrate such was the embarrassment.

Germany, playing in its fourth consecutive World Cup semifinal, will now face either Argentina or the Netherlands in Sunday's final in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazilian players Oscar and Fred hang their heads after a German goal.

 

Toni Kroos of Germany, left, celebrates scoring the third goal of the game.

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, left, separates Thomas Mueller of Germany and Hulk of Brazil.

 

Via:CNN

Via:SBNation