"VAN" (FIFA World Cup 2018 Desk) :: Brazil have been the World Cup’s most successful team, winning it a record five times. But as 2014’s hosts, they crashed out in the semi-finals, humiliated by Germany’s 7-1 thrashing. Since then, the team have rebuilt.
Instead of the beautiful game, the excruciating game. From the 23rd to the 29th minute of what Brazilians call the Mineiraço (“the catastrophe at the Mineirão stadium”), Germany’s lead went from 1-0 to 5-0.
Repeatedly, the German attack tore through the Brazilian defence to smash the ball into the net, before the TV cameras pivoted to Brazil fans – their faces painted in the team’s yellow and blue; the similarly sunny yellow and green national flag wrapped around their shoulders – in tears.
At half-time, Germany’s manager Joachim Löw told his team that it was too painful and they should start playing worse. “I didn’t want anyone to make a fool of the Brazilians in front of an audience of millions,” he subsequently said.
Despite Löw’s instructions, Germany scored another two goals in the second half. When Brazil’s attacking midfielder Oscar managed a 90th minute consolation goal, there was no celebration.
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