Rio de Janeiro, July 8 (V7N) — On this day in 2014, football witnessed one of the most astonishing and heartbreaking moments in World Cup history. Host nation Brazil, five-time world champions and favorites to lift the trophy on home soil, were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals at the iconic Maracanã Stadium.

What was supposed to be a festival of football for the passionate Brazilian fans turned into a national nightmare — one that stunned the world and rewrote the record books.

The match began with high expectations from the home crowd. But by the 11th minute, Thomas Müller had already put Germany ahead. What followed was a collapse few could have imagined — a five-goal blitz in just 29 minutes.

By the 29th minute, Germany led 5-0 — an unprecedented scoreline in World Cup semi-final history. With goals from Miroslav Klose (23'), Toni Kroos (24', 26'), and Sami Khedira (29'), Germany showcased clinical precision and devastating teamwork. Klose’s goal was particularly historic, making him the highest goalscorer in World Cup history, surpassing Brazil's own Ronaldo.

In the stands, emotions turned from anticipation to disbelief. A young Brazilian fan, her cheeks painted with the national flag, was seen weeping as the Maracanã’s jubilant atmosphere transformed into stunned silence.

Germany’s style of play was both elegant and ruthless — with players like Kroos, Özil, Khedira, and Müller orchestrating passes that carved through Brazil’s defense. One of the most telling moments came when Khedira, with a clear shot on goal, chose instead to pass to Kroos — a symbol of the unselfish, cohesive spirit Germany brought to the tournament.

After halftime, the Germans, in the words of defender Mats Hummels, consciously held back. “We just wanted to stay focused,” he later said. “There will be wins and losses in football, but we must respect the opponent. We didn’t want to insult Brazil. That’s why we didn’t show any more ‘magic’ after the break.”

Still, Germany added two more goals in the second half, taking the score to 7-0 before Brazil's Oscar scored a consolation goal in the dying minutes.

The result marked Brazil’s worst-ever defeat and the biggest win in World Cup semi-final history. It became known as the "Mineirazo" — echoing the trauma of the 1950 "Maracanazo," when Uruguay defeated Brazil in the World Cup final, also on home soil.

Germany’s 7-1 victory remains a moment etched in the collective memory of football — a match that shocked fans, devastated a nation, and reminded the world of the sport’s unpredictable drama.

END/RH/AJ