Brazil vs. Germany, 2014 World Cup: An embarrassing beatdown

A lot of people have pointed out that the World Cup logo looks like somebody facepalming. Well, Brazil lost 7-1 to Germany, and there were a hell of a lot more opportunities to point that out.

Brazil just fell 7-1 in the semifinal of the World Cup. Here’s a scene from the bowels of the stadium in the minutes before the match ended.

And after the match ...

After conceding early on, Brazil proceeded to leak four goals in six minutes before the halftime whistle. Die Mannschaft scored twice more in the second half before Brazil clawed back a last-gasp consolation. Germany eventually won by the biggest margin in World Cup semifinal history.

It took Germany only 11 minutes to break the deadlock, with a corner from Mesut Özil volleyed home by a free Thomas Müller at the back post. The Brazilian defense was in disarray, and much worse was to follow.

Obviously, at some point each goal becomes less impressive. Brazil didn’t come to play today and are pretty demoralized, but you can’t take anything away from Schürrle here. This is incredible technique and one of the best goals of the tournament, independent of the situation.

The saddest thing is that the Brazilians got off to a brilliant start in the second half and looked like they were going to score. But Manuel Neuer denied them multiple times, and now Germany have a sixth. It could get worse from here.

Heading into the game he was tied with Brazilian legend Ronaldo, though his 16th World Cup finals goal has seen him move ahead.

Here’s the second goal, Klose’s record-setter.

And here’s the second, from Toni Kroos. What a finish.

Brazil (4-2-3-1): Júlio César; Marcelo, David Luiz, Dante, Maicon; Luiz Gustavo, Fernandinho; Hulk, Oscar, Ramires; Fred.

Brazil’s midfield pivot vs. Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira - While Brazil’s biggest threat will come from out wide, Germany’s will likely be through the centre in their two marauding midfielders Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira. Both can often be found looking to break forward from deep, where they can slip in teammates or take a shot on goal. With Fernandinho having failed to convince alongside the more natural holding midfielder Luiz Gustavo, they may well find the space to do damage.