The score line, July 8, 2014 World Cup semifinal match. Photo; Courtesy
On this day in football history, the world witnessed one of the most stunning and unforgettable matches ever played in the FIFA World Cup. Hosts Brazil were crushed 7–1 by Germany in the semifinals of the 2014 tournament — a result that shocked fans around the globe and sent ripples through the sport’s history.
Played at the Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte, the semifinal clash quickly spiraled into a nightmare for Brazil. By the 29th minute, Germany had scored five unanswered goals, leaving fans in disbelief and the stadium in eerie silence.
Germany’s early dominance began with Thomas Müller netting the opener in the 11th minute. Miroslav Klose then made history in the 23rd minute, becoming the all-time leading World Cup scorer with his 16th goal, surpassing Brazil’s Ronaldo. What followed was an avalanche of goals: Toni Kroos scored twice in rapid succession (24′ and 26′), followed by a fifth from Sami Khedira in the 29th minute.
The first half ended with Germany 5–0 up — a scoreline no one could have imagined before kickoff. As the second half unfolded, substitute André Schürrle added two more goals (69′, 79′), piling further misery onto the already devastated Brazilian side. Oscar managed to pull one back in the 90th minute, but it was nothing more than a consolation.
This result, now infamously known as the “Mineirazo” (echoing the “Maracanazo” of 1950 when Brazil lost the World Cup final at home), marked Brazil’s worst defeat in their footballing history. For Germany, it was a performance of ruthless efficiency, clinical finishing, and historic dominance.
The match not only sent Germany to the final — which they later won against Argentina — but also marked a turning point for Brazilian football, triggering national introspection, managerial changes, and soul-searching among fans and officials alike.
Eleven years later, the memory of that night remains raw for many in Brazil and remains one of the most dramatic moments in the sport’s annals.
📌 Scorers:
Brazil: Oscar (90′)
Germany: Müller (11′), Klose (23′), Kroos (24′, 26′), Khedira (29′), Schürrle (69′, 79′)
📍 Venue: Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
📆 Date: July 8, 2014
🏆 Event: FIFA World Cup Semifinal
