Die Mannschaft mauls Brazil right in their backyard

We saw the ugly side of this Brazilian side in their quarter final match, where Fernandinho and company utilised every trick in the book to frustrate James Rodriguez. While the Colombian star survived the fouls, Brazil’s star; Neymar was ruled out of the World Cup through an injury, from a Zuniga tackle. The vastly experienced and organised German side they will face in this first semi final match, is unlikely to be fazed by the tackles and would punish any mistake and utilise set pieces efficiently.

David Luiz led the Brazilian team out, in the absence of Thiago Silva who is out through suspension. Luiz Gustavo started ahead of Paulinho while Bernard and Dante started in place of Neymar and Thiago Silva respectively. Germany, on the other hand maintained the same starting line up fielded against France in the quarter finals.

The game started with Brazil pushing for an early lead and winning the first corner of the game in the first minute. Marcelo’s shot in the second minute goes wide and Hulk threatens the German defence from a David Luiz long pass. Germany starts getting control of the game with Kroos, Khedira and Schweinsteiger dominating in the middle. Kroos’ brilliant corner kick, on the 11th minute was tucked in by Thomas Muller, for his fifth of the tournament. Criminal defending, for such a lethal striker as Muller to be given so much space.

David Luiz’s run on the 13th minute releases Hulk but Germany does well to clear the danger. Marcelo dives in the box on the 17th minute setting off a melee which the referee breaks up admirably. Brazil’s ploy of using long balls to cut off the midfield hasn’t really worked for them. Klose’s shot on the 21st minute is disrupted by a Gustavo tackle.

Muller’s great work from the right releases Klose, who scores at the second attempt on the 23rd minute, surpassing Ronaldo and setting a new world record with his sixteenth World Cup finals goal. The celebrations had barely ended when Kroos, who has been magnificent with his intelligent use of the ball scored on the 24th minute. The Brazilian defence has looked totally disorganised without the leadership of the cool headed Thiago Silva.

Khedira is threaded through on the left and squares for Kroos to tap in on the 26th minute for his brace. It is 4:0 for Germany. No hiding place for Brazil as Khedira makes it 5:0 with a fine finish after exchanging passes in the box with Ozil. Brazilian hearts are broken. It is unbelievable to conceive that Brazil would concede five goals in a World Cup semi final, at home soil. The Germans are not letting up as Kroos’ shot is deflected in the 31st minute. Gustavo fouls Muller on the 37th minute in a dangerous position but Ozil’s free kick goes over.

Oscar’s shot on the 41st minute is blocked and the Germans look dangerous again as they counter. They have totally dominated this game and brutally exposed the weaknesses of this Brazilian side. Brazil are desperately in search of a goal to perhaps inspire some sort of comeback. Marcelo’s free kick on the 43rd minute is cleared and Germany counters but Maicon does well to clear the danger. The first half ends 5:0 in favour of Germany.

The second half starts with Mertesacker coming on for Hummels, while Ramires and Paulinho enters the fray for Hulk and the dismal Fernandinho. Brazil are looking more composed but still can’t find their way through the German defence.

A fine move from Brazil on the 50th minute sets up Oscar but Neuer gets down well to push out Ramires’ cross. Neuer again saves from Oscar on the 51st minute after a brilliant move from Ramires. Neuer makes a brilliant double save from Paulinho to maintain his clean sheet.

Schurrle replaces Klose on the 57th minute as Germany look to exploit his pace. Neuer saves again from Fred and at the other end, Julio Cesar manages to foil Muller. Julio Cesar again saves from Muller’s shot on the 60th minute.

Maicon escapes a caution for a dive in the box, that sparked off protests from the German players. The Germans are cutting off all the channels forcing Brazil to resort to long balls in their attempt to open up the defence. Germany are content to sit back, soak up the pressure and counter. Julio Cesar does well to dash out and intercept a pass to Schurrle on the 66th minute. Dante picks up a yellow on the 68th minute to worsen his day.

Schurrle scores on the 69th minute from a Lahm cross to make it 6:0. Fred is replaced by William amidst resounding boos. Paulinho’s weak shot on the 73rd minute after fine work from William, is picked up by Neuer.

Draxler comes on for the outstanding Khedira on the 76th minute. Schurrle scores with an audacious finish on the 79th minute to make it 7:0, drawing applause from the Brazilian fans for the quality of his finish. Ramires wins a corner on the 80th minute and Marcelo fires wide from the rebound. Brazil pushes for the elusive goal but Neuer saves again from a Ramires shot on the 85th minute.

Oscar and Bernard shoots wide in succession in the closing minutes. Ozil breaks away on the counter, but goes horribly wide, missing an opportunity to increase the score line. In the final minute, Oscar finishes well to beat the irrepressible Neuer. The match ends Germany 7: Brazil 1.

An evening to forget for Brazil as they are mauled by a clinical Die Mannschaft, who brutally exposed their defensive frailties. What a World Cup, what a game. Now, it will take something extraordinary to stop this German side.