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Showing posts with label Germany. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Germany. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Brazil-Germany (1-7), the Brazil humiliated by the Germany in her garden

The Brazil was humiliated in his garden by a relentless Germany (1-7). The Brazilians out of their cup of the world through the tiny door.

World Cup - semifinal
Brazil-Germany: 1-7
Goals: 90th Oscar - 11th Müller, Klose, 23rd, Kroos 24th, 26th, 29th Khedira, 69th, 79th Schürrle

Nightmarish. How otherwise qualify the game experienced by Brazilian tonight, who see their dream come tumbling down like a House of cards on the lawn of Belo Horizonte...

Overcome the absences of Neymar and Thiago Silva by Bernard and Dante appeared to be the best option for Scolari, who saw his men sink against a sharp and ultra-realistic Germany. The first few minutes yet suggest a few hopes, with a rather active and voluntary Oscar. The first strike of the match is Auriverde, when Marcelo too crosses a balloon recovered 25 metres (3rd).

But the suite looks like an avalanche. Müller opened the score on a corner, when he is left alone by the Brazilian defence at the far post. It has all the time to adjust Julio Cesar of the flat of the foot, the Germany is before (1-0, 11th).

The Brazil is conducted for the first time in his world, and it does not succeed him. The Germans are doubling the brand by Klose, who is there resumed twice to deceive Julio Cesar and become the best scorer in the history of the World Cup with 16 achievements (2-0, 23rd). The fall became only more dizzying for the Brazil...

Kroos, a minute later, sinking the men of Scolari after a centre from Lahm. He rifles Julio Cesar (3-0, 24th) and has fun with the defense two minutes later after a one-two with Khedira at training in the opposing surface. He finished in the empty goal (4-0, 26th).

Four goals scored within 15 minutes by the Manschaft, and soon five, when Khedira plays defense with Ozil for a little more drive the nail (5-0, 29th)... Supporters collapsed, players are exceeded, the evening is a real ordeal, a torture for the host of the World Cup.
The Brazil returns with other intentions, the entrance of Ramires made some good but the Auriverde struggle to truly bring danger to the goals of Neuer, coming out even two huge parades before Paulinho, two-step (53rd).

The Germans play cons at bottom, Müller proves dangerous (60th, 61st) repeatedly until Schürrle register a double. On a centre of his captain first, he took over the flat of the foot in the six-yard (6-0, 69th) then on a beautiful fly shackled resumption of left foot hitting the crossbar before returning to Julio Cesar (7-0, 79th). The goal at the end of part of Oscar (7-1, 90th) weighs too little in the balance of humiliation... it is total.

Records fell tonight... The Germany defeated Brazil for the first time in official competition, this is the heaviest defeat of the Brazil so far in the World Cup and the widest victory in the semifinals of the history. And as a symbol, Ronaldo also left spinning his record personally, in favor of Klose, who became the top scorer of the World Cup in Belo Horizonte. The Germany has learned the lessons of the past and qualifies for the final of the world 2014, instead seven times what a...

Publié par moulay à l'adresse 2:32 AM 0 commentaires
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Brazil vs. Germany: Goals, Highlights from World Cup Semi-Final Match

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Germany produced one of the most dominant performances in World Cup history to beat hosts Brazil 7-1 and advance to the final.

The first real chance of the game fell to Germany in the 11th minute, and that man Thomas Mueller duly took it.

Germany doubled their lead midway through the first half, with Miroslav Klose becoming the World Cup's all-time top scorer in the process.

A bad start turned into a disaster for Brazil when Toni Kroos made it 3-0 minutes later.

Not long after, Germany's remarkable start continued with a fourth—Kroos getting his second in the space of two minutes.

And then came a fifth, from Sami Khedira. And we still hadn't reached the break.

That was five in the space of 18 minutes. Brazil had some early chances at the start of the second half, but Manuel Neuer was also in ruthless mode.

And then came a sixth, from substitute Andre Schurrle.

Germany made it 7-0 soon after, with Schurrle helping himself to a second.

Brazil grabbed a late consolation through Oscar, but it mattered not.

Re-live the entire match here. 

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Luiz Felipe Scolari Apologizes, Takes Blame for Brazil's 7-1 Loss to Germany

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An apology was definitely in order from Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari following his side's 7-1 loss to Germany in Tuesday's World Cup semifinal match.   

Scolari took responsibility for the Selecao's poor performance, which will go down as one of the worst in World Cup history. Sam Borden of The New York Times highlighted the key points Scolari made in his post-match press conference:

Jack Lang of the Daily Mirror relayed Scolari's praise for Germany, in which he discussed the indomitable nature of the opponent:

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty weighed in on how well the Germans fared, but also accentuated how disappointing this was for Brazil:

Playing as hosts brought with it the pressure to pull through for a victory. The Selecao were without their best attacking threat in Neymar and their defense's captain in Thiago Silva, but even their presence likely would not have been enough to avoid such a collective meltdown.

Scolari's counterpart, Germany's Joachim Low, is a reputed tactician whose attack put together a peerless effort and was relentless for 90 minutes. It was also such a stark contrast to the haplessness with which Brazil played on the back line, which can be pinned on its boss.

Brazil players huddled in the middle of the pitch after the blowout defeat amid boos and disapproving whistles from the native fans. Beyond just its fans, even the team will be hard-pressed to support Scolari as the long-term manager moving forward following this crushing blowout.

As successful as Scolari has been in the World Cup throughout his managerial career, it's human nature to emphasize the negatives over a myriad of positives. Scolari even acknowledged that he'll be remembered more for Tuesday's loss than anything he's accomplished in the past. That hurts his prospects moving forward and in preparation for the 2018 World Cup.

It will be interesting to see how Brazil responds in the third-place consolation match against the loser of Argentina and the Netherlands. If the Selecao can bounce back and put forth a respectable showing, perhaps Scolari's job security won't be as tenuous.

Publié par moulay à l'adresse 2:03 AM 0 commentaires
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Why Neymar Wouldn't Have Saved Brazil from World Cup Mauling by Germany

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Brazilian superstar Neymar sat out the 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-final with injury as his team were humiliated 7-1 by Germany, a historic defeat as they bowed out of the finals on home soil in embarrassing fashion.

That Brazil even scored a consolation goal near the end was little more than a further embarrassment, being unable to celebrate or take any joy from the moment.

The pre-match talk centered around the absence of Neymar in attack and, through suspension, Thiago Silva in defence. But while the latter could have made a significant difference to the final scoreline, especially with David Luiz's inept performance, Neymar would have prevented very little of the massacre occurring.

Lack of Service

Neymar's ability to ghost past players, break into space at pace and get shots away from around the edge of the penalty area relies on two factors: service from the midfield and others creating space for him to exploit.

Previous to the World Cup, we have mainly seen Neymar achieve the latter by cutting infield from the left; moved centrally, he has not been able to drift in off the flank anywhere near as much and has frequently found himself doubled-up on by opposition markers stationing two defensive midfielders in close proximity.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Not sure if walking back to centre circle...or Brazil's marking during the game.

Thus, he has had to rely on passes from deeper midfield players and central defenders, with Neymar then looking to spin and accelerate away from markers, exchange passes or look to shoot from around the 20-metre mark.

Was there any such service for Oscar? Or for Bernard? Very little indeed. Neymar would have been reduced to chasing back in deeper zones than usual to support his defensive players—the first half featured all 11 Brazil players within 10 metres of their own box at times—and looking to begin his runs on the ball from around 60, 70 metres from goal.

By himself, Neymar's natural strengths on the ball would have counted for little here.

Lack of Support

Habitually, Brazil's 4-2-3-1 system should allow for one of the central midfielders to break forward from deep, adding an extra body to the attack with power and passing ability as they move into the final third.

The first 10 minutes against Germany did indeed see such running, first from Fernandinho and then Luiz Gustavo, but that support line from deep soon ended once the first goal went in, disappointingly from a set piece.

Buda Mendes/Getty Images Hulk had zero impact on the game.

Hulk, starting on the left, should have offered pace and width to break in behind Philipp Lahm if the Germany right-back insisted on attacking, but there were few passes for the forward to chase in beyond the back four, and his on-the-ball output was minimal.

Martin Rose/Getty Images

Again, with no successful attempts from Brazilian players to make themselves available in space for Neymar to play off, to find through passes for runs off the ball and for himself to receive back one-twos to create space, the No. 10's impact would have been severely blunted—as was Oscar's for large stretches.

If he can't get the ball high up the field, if he can't link with team-mates and if his team simply aren't good enough to keep the ball from Germany, not even two Neymars would have made much difference on the night for Brazil.

The Rebuild

The one small, saving grace for the whole debacle is that when the inquest begins on Brazil's absolute failure—semi-final or not, the manner of their exit makes it exactly that—Neymar's name will be mercifully absent.

Michael Steele/Getty Images

He gave his all beforehand to drag the team through and paid the price with his fitness, but where the likes of Fred, Paulinho or others may well be ousted by common voice in the aftermath of the finals, Neymar will be heralded as one of few who gave the country cause to hope.

When a new manager is put in place, when the new side is being structured for the forthcoming Copa America, Neymar will once again be at the heart of things, expected to help the improvements take shape.

Follow @karlmatchett

Publié par moulay à l'adresse 1:56 AM 0 commentaires
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Memes Take over Twitter as Germany Rout Brazil at the World Cup

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It was possibly the most remarkable 45 minutes in the history of the World Cup, with Germany putting five past Brazil in the space of 18 minutes.

Brazil's World Cup was over by the halftime whistle. 

Here are some of the best memes to meet the hosts' demise, and Germany's impressive show of force.

See all the goals here.

Publié par moulay à l'adresse 1:45 AM 0 commentaires
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Twitter Reacts to David Luiz, Fred's Performances vs. Germany

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Hosts Brazil were completely embarrassed by a dominant German team in their 2014 World Cup semi-final on Tuesday, conceding five goals within the first half hour of play and losing by a final score of 7-1.

Toni Kroos (twice), Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, Sami Khedira and Andre Schurrle (twice) all got their names on the scoresheet thanks to a truly dreadful defensive performance from Brazil, who never expected the absence of Thiago Silva would have weakened the unit this badly.

Oscar was able to put one back late, but it wasn't enough to save the team's honour.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

David Luiz was given the captain's bracelet, and the centre-back put in an awful performance. Emotional and constantly looking to move up the pitch, he failed to organise his teammates on the back line and was frequently caught out of position, including on the opening goal from Mueller.

Unsurprisingly, the comments on his performance on social media were brutal. Via World Cup 2014, things had started so well during the national anthems:

TSN's Jason deVos couldn't believe a centre-back would make a rookie mistake on a corner kick, particularly one who just completed a €50 million move to Paris Saint-Germain:

The London Evening Standard's Amar Singh noted the player lacks in key areas of the game, and all of his flashy plays can't hide it:

OptaJoke had to make a Simpsons-inspired joke:

The Daily Mirror's Mina Rzouki thought Brazil couldn't have picked a worse captain:

Football Funnys thinks PSG might be looking for a refund:

The Swiss Ramble summed up the night quite nicely:

For all of Luiz's poor play, striker Fred seemed to be the target of the crowd's anger, who started to boo the forward every time he touched the ball. Fred never saw any usable balls but didn't help matters with his positioning and lack of athleticism.

Football Funnys used this image to illustrate said lack of pace:

The Daily Telegraph's Henry Winter noticed how quickly the crowd turned on the striker:

Per World Cup 2014, his first-half performance added nothing to his team:

The Daily Mirror's Alex Richards thought Fred was bad, but perhaps not as bad as the TV commentators would lead you to believe:

And then the crowd got truly hostile, as BBC's Phil McNulty points out:

When Fred's night was finally over after 70 minutes of action, the Toronto Sun's Kurtis Larson noted the striker got a final chorus of boos, and he even felt bad for the player:

Die Mannschaft recorded a historic win on Tuesday, one that will be talked about for a long time. Brazil's World Cup bid is over, and the hosts will leave the tournament in embarrassing fashion.

The Selecao still have to play a play-off match for the tournament's third-place finish, but many will wonder whether the team will even bother to put in their best effort, knowing they've disappointed the home crowd in such fashion.

Tuesday was one of the darkest days in Brazilian football history, and one that will live on in infamy. How the team recovers from this is anyone's guess, and this loss could potentially mean the end of Luiz Felipe Scolari's coaching tenure.

Follow @ReverschPass

Publié par moulay à l'adresse 1:25 AM 0 commentaires
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Brazil's Worst Nightmare Comes True as Germany Eviscerate World Cup Dreams

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Moments before Tuesday’s semi-final with Germany kicked off, Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari hugged his opposite number Joachim Low and handed him a presentation bag containing a small present.

Unfortunately for Scolari and his team, the gift-giving would not end there.

Over the next 90 minutes, in perhaps the most surprising, jaw-dropping result in World Cup history Brazil were demolished 7-1 by a rampant Germany side, as a combination of woeful organisation, shoddy defending, individual mistakes and incisive attacking (the Europeans deserve some credit, after all) sent the tournament hosts out of the competition with their tails firmly between their legs.

This was scarcely believable stuff, even as it happened in front of the world’s eyes. To put it in some type of context, this was Brazil’s first competitive defeat on home soil since 1975—a 3-1 loss to Peru that also happened in Belo Horizonte’s Estadio Mineirao. It was the first time they had conceded four goals since a 4-2 loss to Hungary in the 1954 World Cup.

It was every bit as harrowing as the Selecao’s most famous home loss, the 1950 World Cup final defeat to Uruguay that now has a brother in the annals of history.

The majority of Brazilian citizens are not old enough to remember that “Maracanazo,” of course. But they will not forget this “Mineiraco” (as it is already being called) as long as they live.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

“How did this happen?” is the question that will be asked in the days and weeks ahead. The significance of the loss of Neymar and Thiago Silva—one due to the back fracture sustained against Colombia, the other through suspension—was clear, but it does not fully explain the depth of the demolition.

Neither does Scolari's post-match attempt to shoulder the consequences.

"I am responsible for this catastrophic result," Scolari said (per Sky Sports). "I made the choices. I was responsible. We ask for forgiveness. To the people, please excuse us for this negative mistake.”

Without Neymar, their icon and only true attacking threat for much of the competition, Scolari opted for the diminutive Bernard. But the Shakhtar Donetsk winger is not in the class of his illustrious team-mate and could not cover for the mediocre talent of Fred and Hulk as Neymar had previously manfully achieved.

When Brazil went a goal behind in the 11th minute, the panic among players and fans was palpable. Not only were the hosts behind, but it was evident to many that their attacking line, even with the assistance of Oscar (who would eventually get his side’s “consolation” goal), would struggle to fashion the openings required to get an equaliser, let alone a winner.

Assuming neither Hulk nor Fred score in the third-place play-off on Saturday, they will leave the tournament with a combined zero assists and one goal—Fred’s tap-in against Cameroon in a game that was arguably already won.

After he was substituted in the second half, the striker was booed roundly whenever his face appeared on the ground’s big screen. He was one of the scapegoats, but there were others more to blame for the defeat on this night.

Without Thiago Silva, the team’s captain and defensive lynchpin, Brazil looked shorn of discipline, organisation or basic defensive ability at the back. Bayern Munich’s Dante (a player Pep Guardiola seems to need to cajole and organise through every club game) replaced Silva, but it was his usual partner, David Luiz, who took on Silva’s responsibilities as the team’s captain, leader and organiser.

Luiz was the hero of the hour as he scored the winner in the quarter-final against Colombia, but without his anchor alongside him in this game he was every bit the player “being controlled by a 10-year-old on a PlayStation,” as former Manchester United defender Gary Neville memorably described him (via London Evening Standard).

Emotion got the better of him, and his team suffered as a result.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

He was as positionally ill-disciplined as Dante (who, in his first playing experience of this competition looked a little overawed by the occasion) but even more emotionally unstable, clearly throwing two elbows in the direction of Miroslav Klose within the first 15 minutes.

By that time Brazil were already 1-0 down, thanks to Thomas Mueller’s finish from a well-worked corner. Miroslav Klose grabbed the second soon after, in the process passing the great Ronaldo—commentating on the disaster from the stands—as the competition’s all-time leading scorer (with 16). Then, a Luiz two-footed tackle (that perhaps deserved a red card) and wasteful midfield passing from Fernandinho and Luiz Gustavo were interspersed liberally around two goals from Toni Kroos (one a tap-in, one a fine first-time strike) and the game’s fifth from the impressive Sami Khedira.

Those goals all followed the same pattern—abject marking and tracking, acres of space for German players and all the time in the world for one of them to pick out a pass and beat Julio Cesar.

The goalkeeper was often helpless; his defence was hapless.

This was not the best game for the defensive unit to break down, with Germany better suited to take advantage than most. With Mueller—invariably left unmarked by the breathtakingly undisciplined and inattentive Marcelo—and Klose so good and occupying the vast spaces in the Brazil backline, Mesut Ozil, Kroos and Khedira had the passing ability to more than exploit the deficiencies.

In the second half, as both sides made substitutions seemingly with the sole intention of preserving the scoreline as it was, Brazil actually started reasonably brightly. Oscar wasted one great opening before Paulinho forced two smart saves from Manuel Neuer, but Brazil could not find the early goal that may just have offered them a glimmer of hope (Germany did throw away a four-goal lead against Sweden in their qualification campaign, after all).

As frustration grew, some players responded by diving anytime they made their way into the box—cynical attempts to con the referee that reduced the sympathy neutral observers may have been feeling.

Germany would ultimately add two further goals from the many chances they had, as substitute Andre Schurrle beat Cesar twice with well-placed strikes.

Oscar then belatedly, perhaps undeservedly, scored a well-taken equaliser after breaking in behind the German defence—a turn of events that was greeted with anger by Neuer and boos from a thoroughly disgusted crowd.

Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

That crowd had been cheering as Schurrle completed the rout, acknowledging the quality of their victors and, by implication, highlighting the abject performance of their own stars.

Without Neymar and Thiago Silva, there had been a certain reduction of expectations in Brazil, a country that had its sights set on winning the competition almost as soon as they were confirmed as hosts. A semi-final exit, without their two main players, would not be a disaster; it could be written off as a reasonable achievement considering the external factors.

The manner of the defeat, however, speaks to so much more. It speaks to the lack of overall quality of this Brazil side, as well as their inability to handle the pressure as it continued to rise. It spoke to the incisive attacking brilliance of Germany. But most of all, it spoke to the disastrous efforts of Brazil’s individuals on the night.

This was a humiliation. Brazil will not soon forget this, nor will anyone who witnessed it.

Publié par moulay à l'adresse 1:22 AM 0 commentaires
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Brazil vs. Germany: World Cup Semi-Final Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

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Germany advanced to the FIFA World Cup final after sweeping aside hosts Brazil with a stunning 7-1 victory on Tuesday at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Appearing in a record fourth straight semi-final, Germany netted five times in the opening 29 minutes to silence the overwhelmingly pro-Brazil crowd. After a brief resurgence by Brazil early in the second half, Germany added two more before Brazil pulled back a late consolation goal.

Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle scored twice for Germany, while Thomas Mueller, Sami Khedira and Miroslav Klose added one goal each. Klose's goal was the 16th in his World Cup career, setting a new record, as Infostrada Sports noted.

Oscar scored Brazil's only goal in the 90th minute.

The victory sent Germany into their eighth World Cup final and first since 2002, which they lost, 2-0, to Brazil in Yokohama, Japan. Joachim Low's side will play either Argentina or the Netherlands on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, where another win would deliver Die Mannschaft's fourth World Cup title.

With a repeat of Tuesday's performance, Germany will be firm favourites to lift the trophy. But while Germany were fully worthy of their win, Brazil played poorly without injured superstar Neymar and suspended captain Thiago Silva.

Indeed, Germany's win itself was far from surprising. It was shocking, however, that it came by such a scoreline against a team like Brazil, the most successful team in World Cup history with five titles.

The match got off to a frantic start as both teams set out to attack, but it was Germany who took the lead in the 11th minute via a set piece. Kroos curled in a corner from the right, finding an unmarked Mueller near the edge of the six-yard box, who volleyed in past Julio Cesar for the opening goal.

Brazil were stunned, but their plight would soon become much worse as Germany scored four times in a breathtaking six-minute stretch.

Germany doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute as Klose set the World Cup's all-time scoring record for an individual. Kroos started the move, slotting a fine pass to Mueller as the latter darted across the box from the right. Mueller then laid off for Klose, who finished on the rebound after seeing his initial shot saved by Cesar.

One minute later, it was 3-0. Philipp Lahm served as the provider this time, crossing from the right flank for Kroos to power in an accurate first-time shot at the back post. Kroos then made it 4-0 two minutes later, slotting in past Cesar after swapping passes with Khedira in the box.

Khedira had his turn in the 29th minute, stretching Germany's lead to 5-0 with an easy finish following a Brazil giveaway.

The home fans in the Estadio Mineirao were stunned into silence, many shedding tears in shock and disbelief. Facing a five-goal deficit at half-time, Brazil briefly showed signs of life early in the second half.

Ramires, a half-time substitute, crossed dangerously for Oscar in the 51st minute, but Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer alertly pushed the ball away. Neuer then saved again from Oscar's close-range shot a minute later before twice stopping Paulinho in the 53rd minute.

Germany weren't finished, though. Schurrle, a second-half substitute, scored Germany's sixth in the 69th minute, sweeping home a cross from Lahm. The Chelsea man also bagged his side's seventh goal 10 minutes later, finishing high at the near post from Mueller's looping pass.

Brazil pulled a goal back through Oscar in the 90th minute, but the late strike was little more than consolation, with Brazil's humiliation already complete.

For Germany, on the other hand, glory could be 90 minutes away.

Grades

Brazil Player RatingsPaulinho (for Fernandinho, 46')B/R

Germany Player RatingsPer Mertesacker (for Mats Hummels, 46')Andre Schurrle (for Klose, 58')Julian Draxler (for Khedira, 76')B/R

Post-Match Reaction

Germany coach Joachim Low (all quotes below via FIFA.com):

After losing the semi-final to Italy in 2006, we know how Brazil, the players, Mr. Scolari and the fans feel, so we have to be modest and humble and take the next step. The emotions are great. We won, we’ve made it to the final. We coped with the passion of the Brazilians and we knew that if we played to our capabilities we thought we would win – but we couldn’t have expected this result. We took our chances well and they strained under the pressure caused by conceding. Both Argentina and the Netherlands have huge qualities and it will be a difficult match. For Miroslav Klose to break the record of scoring the most goals at the World Cup, it means a lot to us. It’s great for him and for the team. If you’ve scored the most goals in the history of the World Cup, you’ve had to earn it. He’s still playing at the highest level and scoring goals.

Germany midfielder Toni Kroos:

It was an impressive performance. It’s the best team performance for Germany I’ve been involved in. We started believing from the first minute as we thought that Brazil were a little bit hesitant in their decision-making and we took advantage of that. After we scored the first, the goals kept coming. Had someone had said we’d have won 7-1 I wouldn’t have believed them, but I thought we were outstanding, that’s all I can say. We’re here to become world champions, we’re happy and relieved to go through – but there’s still one game to go. No-one has won the World Cup in a semi-final.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari:

It’s the worst moment of my football career and the worst day of my football life. But life goes on. Who is responsible for this result? I am, it’s me. The blame for this catastrophic result can be shared between us all, but the person who decided the line-up, the tactics was me. It was my choice. We tried to do what we could, we did our best – but we came up against a great German team. We couldn’t react to going behind. We got disorganised and panicked after the first goal and then it all went wrong for us. Not even the Germans can tell you how this happened – but it’s because of their skills and you have to respect that. We have to learn to deal with it. My message for the Brazilian people is this. Please excuse us for this performance. I’m sorry that we weren’t able to get to the final – and we’re going to try to win the third place match. We still have something to play for.

Follow @MikeCummings37

Publié par moulay à l'adresse 1:12 AM 0 commentaires
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World Cup 2014: Winners and Losers from Brazil vs. Germany Semi-Final

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Use your ? ? (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow World Cup 2014: Winners and Losers from Brazil vs. Germany Semi-Final

It was unexpected in its arrival, horrific in its unraveling.

On Tuesday at Estadio Mineirao, Germany inflicted a record defeat upon host nation Brazil, winning 7-1 at the semi-final stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

First, it was Thomas Mueller scoring from a corner kick; then the floodgates opened.

By the time the Blitzkrieg of Belo Horizonte was complete, five German players had found the back of the net, and Miroslav Klose had set a new record for World Cup goals.

Individually and collectively, there were many winners and losers from the match. Following are just a few.

Begin Slideshow » Winner: Joachim Loew, Whose First-Half Management Was ImpeccableWinner: Joachim Loew, Whose First-Half Management Was Impeccable

Predictably, Brazil came flying out of the gate in Belo Horizonte.

David Luiz, in particular, seemed inspired by the occasion, and, as the host nation poked and prodded the Germany defense, it seemed only a matter of time before a goal came.

But that German defense—considered suspect by some prior to kick-off—held firm as manager Joachim Loew’s outfit soaked up the early pressure. Even their pressing game was limited to their own side of the pitch as they dealt with the inevitable, early Brazil attacks.

Then they won a corner, and, thanks to some abysmal defending, were able to take the lead against the run of play.

Naively, Brazil continued to push forward, and, seeing their chance to inflict further damage, Germany created a series of turnovers that produced three more goals in the span of three minutes.

The game, as a contest, was already over.

Loser: Fernandinho, Who Gifted Germany a Pair of GoalsLoser: Fernandinho, Who Gifted Germany a Pair of Goals

Fred—the much-maligned striker—was withdrawn to a chorus of boos in the 69th minute, but the real culprit of Tuesday’s debacle was Fernandinho, who twice gifted Germany an opening to score.

His first concession allowed Toni Kroos to set up Miroslav Klose’s record-setting 16th World Cup goal; his second put Kroos, himself, through to score.

While Fred and Hulk may end up bearing much of the blame for the defeat, Fernandinho was easily Brazil’s worst player on Tuesday.

Winner: Sami Khedira, Who Was an Early Difference-MakerWinner: Sami Khedira, Who Was an Early Difference-Maker Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Lost in the headlines will no doubt be the vital contribution of Sami Khedira to Germany’s 7-1 win.

He didn’t score a record-breaking goal; in fact, he found the back of the net just once, himself.

But, when Germany saw their moment to inflict maximum damage, it was the Real Madrid midfielder who led the way.

By pressing effectively and making smart, instinctive runs into useful space, Khedira was able to both cause and make the most of a handful of first-half turnovers—two of which led directly to goals.

Loser: David Luiz, Who Was Simply AppallingLoser: David Luiz, Who Was Simply Appalling

David Luiz began Tuesday’s match like a man on a mission.

Wearing the captain’s armband in Thiago Silva’s absence, the Brazil defender spearheaded a handful of attacks into the final third—his curly hair blown back by his pace and energy.

But over-exuberance, as well as a good deal of incompetence, got the better of the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back, who was either out of position or simply a statue for most of Germany’s goals.

“Apologies to everybody; apologies to all the Brazilian people,” he offered in his post-match remarks, according to the BBC. “it is a very sad day, but also a day from which to learn.”

Winner: Manuel Neuer, Who Was Still ExceptionalWinner: Manuel Neuer, Who Was Still Exceptional Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

There was a brief spell after the restart in which Manuel Neuer had to be at the top of his game.

No, a concession or two from the Germany goalkeeper likely wouldn’t have affected the result, but he nevertheless snuffed out any hope of a Brazil fight-back.

The pair of saves he made on Paulinho were particularly important, and, after Oscar scored Brazil’s lone goal, it was clear how frustrated Neuer was that he wouldn’t be keeping a clean sheet.

Loser: The Brazilian Fans, Especially Those at the Stadium, Who Were HeartbrokenLoser: The Brazilian Fans, Especially Those at the Stadium, Who Were Heartbroken Bruno Magalhaes/Associated Press

Imagine being one of the fans inside Estadio Mineirao on Tuesday.

Not only a supporter, but a ticket-holder who had shelled out considerable funds for the experience.

More than 58,000 fans were left devastated in Belo Horizonte, although, to their credit, they concluded the day by cheering each succession of German passes.

Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari could only beg their forgiveness.

“My message for the Brazilian people is this: Please excuse us for this performance,” he said, as per the BBC. “I’m sorry that we weren’t able to get to the final, and we’re going to try to win the third-place match.”

Winner: Miroslav Klose, Who Broke Ronaldo’s RecordWinner: Miroslav Klose, Who Broke Ronaldo’s Record Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

The FIFA World Cup has a new all-time leading goalscorer.

In the 23rd minute of Tuesday’s semi-final against Brazil, Miroslav Klose tucked home his record 16th World Cup goal, surpassing the mark previously set by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo.

Loser: The Prognosticators, Who Couldn’t Have Predicted ThisLoser: The Prognosticators, Who Couldn’t Have Predicted This Frank Augstein/Associated Press

Let’s be honest. A Germany victory wouldn’t have been anything of a shock, nor would have a Brazil win.

But nobody could have predicted a 7-1 massacre—a Blitzkrieg of Belo Horizonte that embarrassed both the Selecao and the home nation as a whole.

Many attempts at post-match analysis will be similarly futile, as the extent of Brazil’s defeat was down to mentality and emotion as much as anything else.

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Thomas Mueller Puts Germany Ahead vs. Brazil in World Cup Semi-Final

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Germany struck first in their World Cup semi-final against hosts Brazil, with that man Thomas Mueller pouncing from a corner.

It was Mueller's 10th World Cup goal.

The goal came inside the first 15 minutes.  

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Brazil vs. Germany: 6 Things We Learned

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Use your ? ? (arrow) keys to browse the slideshow Brazil vs. Germany: 6 Things We Learned Frank Augstein/Associated Press

In what has been a truly outstanding tournament thus far, the World Cup finally welcomed its first genuinely great side on Tuesday night when Germany overcame hosts Brazil 7-1 at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte.

Although Joachim Low's side had already been touted as comfortable favourites—following the injury to Neymar and the suspension of Thiago Silva—nobody could have predicted just how strong this German victory would have been on the night. 

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side had done well up until this point to get so far in the competition, but like the cold, hard smack of reality, it was the might of Thomas Mueller & Co. who brought this nation's expectations back down to the ground in just 90 minutes. 

Germany now roll on to their eighth World Cup final in a competition that few thought they were capable of winning while Brazil try to pick themselves up for a third-place play-off with either Argentina or Holland. 

Here's what we took from this historic win for Germany. 

Begin Slideshow » Miroslav Klose Reaches New RecordMiroslav Klose Reaches New Record Frank Augstein/Associated Press

In amongst the heartbreak of an entire nation, it was Miroslav Klose who well and truly rubbed it in with a solitary goal to put himself above Ronaldo in the top World Cup goalscorers of all time chart. 

With Germany's second goal in the 23rd minute, Klose picked up his 16th World Cup goal and set his nation on course for a place in the final.

Six minutes after the towering striker's goal, Germany had scored another three—a clinical moment to break away from their opponents and confirm their spot in the final. 

A striker who not only helped his side reach the final of the World Cup on Tuesday night, but also made history in his own right. 

Brazil Lose on Home Soil for First Time Since 1975Brazil Lose on Home Soil for First Time Since 1975 Frank Augstein/Associated Press

One—if not the only—factor that Brazil had in their favour throughout this World Cup was the advantage of playing in front of their own fans in each and every game.

Although Scolari's side may not have been the strongest team in the tournament, they overcame opponents like Chile and Colombia through sheer determination and the support of the crowd. 

Unfortunately, Germany proved too good on the night, and with their 7-1 victory, they inflicted the first defeat in a competitive game for Brazil since 1975. Thirty-nine years of prestige, honour and success, which all came to an abrupt end. 

Low Gets Tactics Spot on Again Low Gets Tactics Spot on Again Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Although Low may not be the most popular manager at this World Cup, he has certainly proved himself to be one of the most astute and brilliant coaches throughout it. 

Brazil may have looked far from their best tonight through injured personnel and the pressure of a nation on their shoulders, but it was Low's tactics that ensured that Germany never gave them a moment's rest. 

Low stuck with his 4-2-3-1 formation—the very one that overcame France just days beforehand—but also made sure that the front two of Mueller and Klose put as much pressure on Brazil's back line as possible. 

This was also evident from just how far Sami Khedira played up the park on Tuesday night. The central midfielder usually sits deep in Germany's midfield but was instead asked to play a more physical role against Brazil's deep-lying midfield and defensive players.

Germany won comfortably on the night, and it was in no small part down to their coach. 

Germany Inflict Highest-Ever Semi-Final DefeatGermany Inflict Highest-Ever Semi-Final Defeat

Germany may have always been expected to at least edge past this troubled Brazilian side, but the manner in which they did will remain within the memories of all who watched for some time to come. 

The momentous 7-1 result in Brazil was the biggest-ever defeat to any side in World Cup semi-final history, with Germany overcoming their own record against Austria in 1954, Argentina's win over the USA in 1930 and Uruguay's win over Yugoslavia, also in 1930. All three games ended in 6-1 defeats. 

Low's side may have overcome all other obstacles to reach the final, but they did so by making history. 

Brazil Missed Thiago Silva More Than NeymarBrazil Missed Thiago Silva More Than Neymar

There was only one word that could have summed up the drama ahead of Tuesday night's game—Neymar. 

The Barcelona striker was unfortunately ruled out of the competition following a back injury against Colombia in the last round, and it seemed as though the nation had gone into mourning over what their team could achieve without their charismatic talisman. 

Yet in truth, it was Thiago Silva—the cool-headed PSG defender—who was truly missed on the night. 

Without Silva, David Luiz took the lead and proceeded to unravel all the work done by Scolari's side up until that point. Brazil looked worse than ordinary, pathetic even, without their star defender. Defeat may have been inevitable on the day, but we dare say Silva may have made it seem more acceptable. 

Germany Reach Eighth World Cup Final Germany Reach Eighth World Cup Final Frank Augstein/Associated Press

With 17 goals in just six games, Germany have undoubtedly been one of the most entertaining teams throughout this World Cup. 

Having overcome such opponents like Portugal, France, Ghana and now Brazil, Low's side march on to the final at the Maracana on Sunday evening for their eighth appearance in the history of the competition. 

On that day, the European powerhouses of international football will have appeared in more World Cup finals than any other nation on Earth and go into the match against either Argentina or Holland with the possibility of picking up their fourth trophy and matching Italy's record in the competition. 

A single game that will go on to define this generation of players awaits Low's side. Now, we wait to see if they are ready to step up and become world champions. 

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Germany Justify Joachim Low's Decision-Making in Stunning Win Over Brazil

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During Joachim Low's eight-year tenure as head coach, Germany have won games in every manner. On Tuesday, the Nationalmannschaft reached a new level.

The manner in which they blitzed Brazil for five goals within the opening 29 minutes of their World Cup semifinal was unprecedented. The Germans went on to win 7-1.

Much can be said for how poor and utterly flat-footed Brazil were. Much can be said about how the hosts sorely missed Neymar and Thiago Silva. And much more can be said about how well individuals like Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil, Miroslav Klose and Sami Khedira played.

But the decisive factor in Tuesday's match was the masterful Low.

Given the way Germany played, it can so easily be forgotten just how many obstacles the trainer has had to negotiate. The absence of players like Marco Reus, Ilkay Gundogan, Marcel Schmelzer and Sven and Lars Bender would have crippled most national teams. The lack of fitness of Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger and recent injuries to Ozil, Manuel Neuer and Philipp Lahm left the trainer with precious few in-form options.

Low had tough decisions to make and, given his inability to win any major international titles in the years prior, was set to take the blame from the international press.

Until Tuesday, Germany had been effective without playing particularly inspired football. Apart from their 4-0 rout of Portugal in their group-stage opener, the Nationalelf labored their way to the semifinal. Low was first criticized for using Benedikt Howedes at left-back and Lahm in midfield. Then he was slated for his insistence upon starting Ozil. Yet until this point, only in their 2-2 draw with Ghana did Germany ever fall behind.

Facing France in Friday's quarterfinal, Low made a bold decision to start Schweinsteiger and Khedira in midfield, just days after the former was forced off with cramps in extra time. He took Per Mertesacker out of the XI, introducing Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels as his center back pairing. And he kept Howedes and Ozil in the lineup. It was just enough to put the Germans through, with Hummels' early header separating the two teams in a match that was still in the balance until the final whistle.

Ahead of Tuesday's semifinal, pundits bound speculated how Low would choose his team. Would Andre Schurrle replace Klose in the first XI? Would Christoph Kramer be brought on for Khedira or Schweinsteiger?

As it turned out, Low had already found his best starting lineup for the semifinal. It was the very same selection he'd made against France. And despite the deafening roar of the capacity crowd at Estadio Mineirao, despite the "X-factor" that some 200 million Brazilians gave their national team in the form of extra motivation and pure adrenaline, Low's perfectly chosen team utterly obliterated the hosts.

Were Khedira and Schweinsteiger unfit? No, their pressing in the opening minutes was heroic, and the Real Madrid man scored and assisted in the first half. Was Howedes' lack of pace exposed? Not a chance. Was Ozil a passenger? No, he assisted Khedira and pulled the strings superbly, exposing space in the Brazilian defense with his runs and devastating passes.

Criticism for Low after previous matches was understandable, if perhaps exaggerated and opportunistic. At this point, it's downright insane. He needed time to understand exactly who he could rely upon. And he needed time for some of those in whom he placed his confidence (Khedira and Howedes especially) to hit peak form.

But as the tournament has progressed, Germany have gotten better and better. An out-of-form shell of a team just a few weeks ago, the Nationalmannschaft galloped to the final on Tuesday.

Germany's task is not yet done; there is a final to be played on Sunday. But one could only sense just how hungry Low's men were on Tuesday.

Whether Argentina or the Netherlands, their opponents will be terrified by what damage Low's Germany are capable of inflicting.

Follow Clark Whitney on Twitter

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Monday, July 7, 2014

The view from Germany as they prepare to face Brazil in the semi-final

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joachim low Germany's coach Joachim L?w is finding it difficult to please anyone at the moment - damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. Photograph: Jed Leicester/Action Images

It’s relatively rare for footballers to sound more eloquent at describing the game’s emotional nuances than journalists, but members of the Germany squad have now managed to do so twice in a week.

First there was Per Mertesacker’s instantly meme-worthy interview after the 2-1 win over Algeria. “Would you rather we played beautiful football but got knocked out?” And over the weekend there was Philipp Lahm with an another comment one did not quite expect from this extraordinarily talented, but also extraordinarily PR-trained, “golden generation” of German players: “Playing for another third place isn’t something I need right now. More is required – definitely.”

Both comments summed up a new realism that is more in sync with the mood in German bars and living rooms right now than the Nu jazz-soundtracked feelgood clips transmitted by public broadcasters from the team’s Campo Bahia training camp.

Germany will now play in their fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final, often playing beautiful, stereotype-defying football along the way, but that is no longer something you hear people chatting about at the public screenings around the country. The mood is grimmer, less euphoric.

Even during the 1-0 win over France there were howls of frustrations every time a player misplaced a pass, debates over who should replace Joachim L?w after the tournament whenever the team looked tactically lacking. “It’s as if L?w can no longer please anyone at all,” wrote Alexander Osang in Der Spiegel. “When he played Philipp Lahm in midfield people said he was being stubborn, when he moved him back into defence, as he did against France, people said he didn’t have a spine. If he wins it’s because of the team; if he loses, it’s his fault.”

Osang also pointed out that in the press conference after the France match the only person to congratulate L?w was the Fifa official chairing the session, the only journalist to point out his impressive points-per-game record, a reporter from Sudan.

L?w’s reputation as the tactical mastermind to counterbalance Jürgen Klinsmann’s motivational skills was severely damaged by Euro 2012 semi-final defeat at the hands of Italy. In an open letter addressed to L?w, Die Welt’s Lars Wallrodt on Monday called it “the match in which you betrayed German football” .

The widely held view in Germany is that L?w tinkered too much with his team in that game, trying too hard to adjust Germany to Italy’s strengths. Of course one could argue that he did the same thing again against France last Friday – it’s just that this time, Germany won.

Rather than mark his legacy as a modernist who revolutionised the German game, anything other than a victory in the final on 13 July is likely to cement the reputation of L?w and the generation of Lahm, Schweinsteiger et al as eternal runners-up.

The more optimistic voices in the German media feel confident that the players are more aware of that fact than anybody else. In some previous tournaments Germany had put a new spin on their reputation as a Turniermannschaft – tournament team – not just that they get better as it progresses through the knockout stages, but that they also become more flamboyant – 4–1 against England and 4–0 against Argentina in 2010, 4–2 against Greece in 2012.

This time round, the team started with an emphatic 4–0 demolition of Portugal and a riveting, anarchic 2–2 against Ghana, but have ground out one-goal wins in the last three matches. No longer burdened with representing the avant garde, Germany seem to be rediscovering the old ruthlessly efficient ways. “Like Italy in Germany shirts”, the public broadcaster ARD called it – and for the first time in years, that sounded like a compliment.

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