FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals: Germany 7-1 Brazil In Pictures

The Brazilian dream was well and truly crushed at the 2014 FIFA World Cup when Germany dealt the home team with blow after blow in their semi-final match at the Estadio Mineirao. When the dust settled, Germany had scored 7 goals to Brazil's lone consolation which came at the very last minute of regulation time.

Germany 7-1 Brazil

(Muller 11', Klose 23', Khedira 29', Kroos 24', 26', Schurrle 69', 79')

(Oscar 90')

Date: July 8, 2014

Venue: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte

Man of the Match: Toni Kroos (Germany)

The match started with a shadow looming over Brazil as their star striker was notably absent due to an injury he sustained in the quarterfinals. The stands were pulsing with electricity and hoards of Brazilian fans dotted the stadium with masks bearing the image of Neymar on their faces.

The team itself took their squad photo with a jersey of the number 10 striker held up among them. Apart from Neymar, the team's captain, Thiago Silva was also absent due to a suspension and it seems that the defender's skills were the ones that were missed the most in a match that saw Brazil's defence fall apart right from the beginning.

Statistics show that ball possession was fairly even between the two teams with Brazil even edging slightly ahead with 52%. The hosts also had more attempts on goal but the Germans made their attacks count and their defence was solid. Despite a good offence on the Brazilian side, their defensive line gave the Germans too much space in the box which resulted in 5 goals inside the first 30 minutes.

In the end, the pitch, the stands and the entire country were filled with contrasting scenes of jubilation and more dominantly, complete dejection.

David Luiz was at the receiving end of the consolation this time around as he found himself in tears after the match just like James Rodriguez was at the end of the Brazil-Colombia quarterfinal. Thiago Silva in casual attire was seen consoling his teammates at the end of the match but even the single consolation goal by Oscar in the 90^th minute will do little to ease the sting. Julio Cesar already looked the picture of defeat even before the final whistle and he had good reason to be after letting in 7 German goals.

Fans crumpled to the floor with tears streaming down their faces and the flags and other paraphernalia they so proudly waved throughout the past several weeks were left abandoned and scattered in and around the stadium.

It was a bitter, bitter defeat but the tournament is not over. The team now needs to regroup and save face in the battle for third against the loser between Argentina and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Germany have booked the first spot at the Maracana and they now await the identity of their nemesis come July 13.

Match Statistics: