Eins, Zwei, Drei, Vier…THUMPED; Germany Blitz’s Brazil

Call it what you like – evisceration, obliteration or annihilation, but Germany simply put on a masterclass display in a performance that was clearly meant to warn both Argentina and the Netherlands that this is their tournament to lose.

David Luiz, captain on the day due to Thiago Silva’s suspension, was left stunned.

In a performance from Die Mannschaft that surely must have been a result of the channeling of the spirit of Gerd von Rundstedt, Brazil was thumped for seven goals in a match that was over almost before it began.  Brazil, as a nation, has been left stunned.  The German footballing machine are now 90-minutes away from lifting their fourth World Cup trophy in their history.  The 7-1 scoreline would prove to be the biggest defeat ever witnessed in the knockout stages in the tournaments history, complete with Miroslav Klose’s 16th goal at the World Cup in his career, surpassing Brazilian great Ronaldo.  There is no much more to be said that has already been said by every television pundit, football writer and die-hard fan on Facebook, Twitter and any other social media outlet – Brazil were embarrassed.

"Starting XI’sBrazil (4-2-3-1): Cesar; Marcelo, Luiz, Dante, Maicon; Fernandinho, Luiz Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Bernard; FredGermany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Howedes, Hummels, Boateng, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Ozil, Kroos, Muller; Klose"

First Half

With their backs against it from the first whistle, Germany had to endure high pressure from Brazil in the opening stages, which was coupled with their own lack-luster play when on the ball.  But in true fashion, the Germans would only need one set-piece to change matters.  After winning their first corner of the match in the tenth minute, Toni Kroos’ delivery into the box found a wide open Thomas Muller who slotted home past Julio Cesar inside six yards – it was Muller’s fifth goal of the tournament, and tenth in his career at the World Cup, while still only being 24-years old.  The stage was now set for a classic German defensive action where they would be happy to counter a Brazil team that would have to open up.

Thomas Muller wheels away after bagging the first of seven on the night for the Germans.

With Brazil far too open at the back and the Germans finding their footing on a team level while Brazil were still playing on an individual level, Brazil’s World Cup came to a close.  Germany would blitz the Selecao for three goals in a ten minute span.  First, it was Miroslav close to tap home from close range after Germany did brilliantly to break down Brazil with ease.  Toni Kroos would then bag a brace in less than four minutes to surely put an end to proceedings almost before it began.  It was a ruthless team performance by the German machine.  Brazil were at sixes and sevens, and their cohesion on the pitch was non-existant.  It was a training match now for the Germans.

On a historic night in the history of the sport, Miroslav Klose addd further history by bagging his 16th goal in his World Cup career – he now holds the record

The half would come to the rescue, but it was far too late.  The damage had been done in simply ruthless fashion.  Germany’s five goals in the opening 29 minutes was a World Cup record – the Germans were halfway into the final on paper, but in truth, they were through to the final at 3-0.

Second Half

As if the pain on the night from the first 45-minutes was not bad enough, or the scenes of Brazilians burning flag in the streets of Sao Paulo or the constant ringing of boo’s from the stands, Andre Schurrle would add another sucker punch to the already downed Brazilian body which laid lifelessly on the mat.  It was just so easy for the Germans to gain access to the rear lines of the Brazilian defense, and all that was left for Schurrle to do was guide Phillip Lahm’s cross past a helpless Cesar.  This truly were scenes that not even the most optimistic German supporter could have ever conjured up on a drunken night out in Frankfurt.

Germany celebrates after Andre Schurrle completes his brace with a brilliant half-volley

Was Germany finished? No, not quite.  Schurrle would make it 7-0 to complete his brace after he brought the ball down in the box brilliantly before unleashing a fantastic half-volley in the upper corner past Cesar.  It was yet another sucker punch, even a slap to the face of Brazil by a ruthless German side who were clearly out to make a statement that this tournament had their branding on it.  With Argentina or the Netherlands to come, the match clearly turned into a show of force meant to strike fear into the heart of whomever they were to clash with at the Estadio do Maracana.

To spare a small percentage of the blushes, if any at all, Oscar would give the slightest bit of consolation when he scored late in the final minutes to make it 7-1, just minutes before Mesut Ozil had a chance to make it 8-0 but fluffed his chance wide.  Full-time would sound, with muted celebrations from the Germans, who are full well that their 23-players were responsible for the heartbreak of 200million Brazilians.  Shocking it was, but it put on display the brilliance of this German team.

"Man of the Match Toni Kross celebrates with Sami Khedira after one of his two goals in a man of the match performance from the GermansToni Kroos – In a completely brilliant display from each and every player in a German shirt, Kroos stood tallest amongst his compatriots.  He bagged himself a brace, he registered multiple assists, and his ability to run the show and pull the strings like the puppet master that he is showed how crucial he is for Die Mannschaft.  There is really not much more to be said, Kroos was simply brilliant in the center of the park.  All the talk has been about Muller’s goals, Neuer’s play in net and Hummel’s displays at the back, but Kroos has been far and away Germany’s best player."