Brazil 2014: The Mineirazo — Germany's Fourth Title on Brazilian Soil
Brazil 7-1 Germany. The most shocking result in World Cup history, played on Brazilian soil, in front of a Brazilian crowd. The hosts were broken — and Germany went on to claim their fourth world title in Rio.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was held in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July, and will forever be defined by a single, extraordinary night in Belo Horizonte — a semi-final so one-sided, so brutal, that it immediately entered football history under its own name: the Mineirazo.
The tournament had plenty of other talking points along the way. Italy and England both fell in the group stage, eliminated in the same group by Costa Rica and Uruguay. Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini in one of the most bizarre incidents the sport has seen — and was duly sent home. Colombia's James Rodríguez announced himself to the world with six goals and the Golden Boot. And hosts Brazil navigated their way through two tense South American knockout ties against Chile and Colombia to reach the last four, with their passionate supporters daring to dream.
Then came the semi-final. By the 29th minute, Germany led 5-0. Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose — who became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with his goal — Toni Kroos twice and Sami Khedira had torn Brazil apart in a manner that defied comprehension. André Schürrle added two more after the break. Oscar's late consolation made it 7-1 — the final score of a match that left the Estádio Mineirão in stunned silence and reduced Brazilian supporters to tears. The hosts then lost their third-place play-off 3-0 to the Netherlands, the trauma too deep for any recovery.
The other semi-final, between Argentina and the Netherlands, ended goalless and was decided by penalties in favour of the Argentines — setting up a final at the Maracanã between Germany and Messi's Argentina. It was a tight, cagey affair decided by a moment of individual brilliance. With 113 minutes on the clock, 22-year-old substitute Mario Götze controlled a cross on his chest and volleyed past Sergio Romero — the goal that made Germany world champions for the fourth time, and the first European nation ever to win a World Cup on South American soil. Messi, named player of the tournament despite not winning it, collected his award on the Maracanã pitch where his dream had ended.
Top scorer: James Rodríguez (Colombia) — 6 goals
Champions squad: Neuer, Großkreutz, Ginter, Höwedes, Hummels, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Özil, Schürrle, Podolski, Klose, Zieler, Müller, Draxler, Durm, Lahm, Mertesacker, Kroos, Götze, Boateng, Mustafi, Weidenfeller, Kramer
Coach: Joachim Löw
Highest-scoring match: Brazil v Germany 1-7
Total goals scored: 171 | Average per match: 2.67
Best-attended match: 74,738 — Germany v Argentina (final) | Average attendance: 53,592