Brazil’s World Cup humiliation

A BREAK by Khedira then led to the corner from which Germany took the lead in the 11th minute. Kroos took it and it was straightforward enough but Brazil’s marking went into meltdown and Muller slotted it home low past Julio Cesar.

Marcelo burst into the Germany penalty area and a pinpoint sliding tackle by Philipp Lahm stopped him in full stride but Brazil’s high tempo only served to make them vulnerable on the break and Germany made them pay again, this time Klose becoming a World Cup record-breaker.

A delightful passing move saw Muller lay the ball off and although Julio Cesar stopped his first effort, Klose buried the rebound.

Two minutes later and it was 3-0, Lahm’s cross going all the way across the area for Kroos to slam home left-footed from 18 yards.

Another two minutes, another goal. From a goal-kick, Fernandinho was robbed by Khedira who unselfishly played in Kroos for a virtual tap-in for 4-0.

By this time Brazil fans were in tears and a few left their seats, but the German machine marched on mercilessly.

Less than half an hour gone and the hosts were 5-0 down. Mats Hummels strode forward and Ozil set up Khedira for a first-time finish.

Scolari’s half-time team talk must have been about rescuing pride, because it was a different Brazil who came out for the second half, with Paulinho on for Fernandinho and Ramires for Hulk, with Low sending on Per Mertesacker for Hummels.

Neuer had been barely tested in the first half but only he prevented Brazil getting on the scoresheet, first defying Oscar and then Paulinho.

Julio Cesar had to be at his best to tip over Muller’s curling effort from 25 yards, but Germany were not to be denied and Lahm’s penetrating cross was struck home by substitute Schurrle.

It was Chelsea midfielder Schurrle who piled on the agony, a breathtaking finish into the top corner after pulling down Muller’s instinctive cross.

Oscar’s crisp finish in the last minute provided a glimmer of light in the Brazilian darkness.

Left: Andre Schurrle scores Germany’s seventh goal, and his second, of the game. Above: Miroslav Klose is substituted but not before his goal made him the leading World Cup goal scorer of all time. Top right: Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil celebrate the first goal of the night. Bottom right: A disconsolate Bernard at the final whistle.