“Now we have to pull it off one more time and lift the thing."
Andre Schurrle and Toni Kroos scored twice as Germany crushed Brazil 7-1 in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup 2014.
Miroslav Klose of Germany also scored in this game to become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history with sixteen goals.
Argentina beat Netherlands 4-2 on penalties in the second semi-final played on 09 July, 2014. Argentinian goalkeeper, Sergio Romero saved two Dutch penalties in the shootout.
Brazil 1 Germany 7 – 9pm (BST) KO, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte – Tuesday
Germany registered their biggest win ever in a World Cup semi-final after beating Brazil 7-1. This was Brazil’s worst ever result in International football.
Brazilian coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari was forced to make two changes. Influential captain, Thiago Silva was suspended, whilst star player Neymar could not play due to an injury.
Brazil lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Bernard replacing Neymar. Germany went 4-5-1 with Miroslav Klose leading the line.
Within twenty-nine minutes there was sheer disbelief, shock and tears not only in the stadium but around the world as Brazil’s dream faded away in dramatic fashion.
Thomas Muller opened the scoring on eleven minutes after tapping in from a Toni Kroos corner.
What followed was one of the most remarkable passages of play in any World Cup game, let alone a semi-final as Germany destroyed Brazil with four goals in six minutes.
In the 23rd minute, Klose scored at the second attempt and set a new World Cup record of sixteen goals in only twenty-three games.
Kroos netted twice within sixty-nine seconds (the fastest brace in tournament history) and Sami Khedira rounded up the goal blitz with a strike in the 29th minute.
Social media site Twitter went into meltdown with Radio Presenter, Noreen Khan tweeting: “I think I’m going to wash my hair. Can’t bear to watch this anymore. Brazilian fans now know how England fans feel like.”
As the TV camera’s cut into the emotional fans in the crowd, Germany continued the onslaught in the second half.
Brazilian striker Fred was feeling the anger and frustration of the crowd as he was booed every time he touched the ball or when his face was shown on the screen. Fred’s performance was pretty mediocre throughout the tournament.
German substitute, Andre Schurrle bagged himself a double in the 69th and 79th minute, the second being a sublime touch and finish past Julio Cesar.
It took Brazil fifty-one minutes to have their first shot on target as they finally got a consolation goal in the 90th minute through Oscar.
Looking ahead to the final, German goal-scorer Muller said: “Now we have to pull it off one more time and lift the thing. We should keep our feet on the ground.”
Scolari took responsibility for the catastrophic defeat as he said:
“It’s the worst day of my life. We ask for forgiveness for the result and we thank the fans for their support even during this defeat.”
Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 [ARG won 4-2 on penalties] – 9pm (BST) KO, Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo – Wednesday
Argentina booked their place in the final against Germany after a 4-2 penalty shootout win against Netherlands in Sao Paulo.
The hype going into this game was all about Lionel Messi and Arjen Robben, but neither player produced any quality in a match that was played out like a chess game.
Robin van Persie was passed fit after recovering from a stomach problem. Netherlands opted for a 5-3-1-1 formation with star man Robben playing off Robin Van Persie.
In contrast, an injured Angel di Maria of Argentina was replaced by Enzo Perez in a 4-3-3 formation.
Netherlands managed by Louis Van Gaal, defended deeply and at times had six defenders against one or two Argentinian strikers.
As the game headed into the 30th minute, neither side came close to scoring a goal. Messi fizzled out of the game and rarely produced any magic, whilst Robben was starved of the ball and failed to make any of his custom runs.
The game went to penalties as neither team could break the deadlock following 120 minutes of pretty average football.
This time there was no Tim Krul for Netherlands in goal as Jasper Cillessen had the task of saving his first ever penalty.
Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder both had their penalties saved by Argentina keeper Sergio Romero.
Former Liverpool player Maxi Rodriguez struck the winning penalty to send the Argentinian players and fans delirious. And so Argentina advanced to their first World Cup final since 1990.
After the match, Bollywood’s Shahrukh Khan tweeted: “Let’s be realistic, demand the impossible. That’s the way to be. Tactical and Defensive, a bit Chess like but stakes are high. Argentina, Phew!”
Losing semi-finalists, Brazil and Netherlands will meet each other in the 3rd/4th place play off match on Saturday 12 July, 2014.
Argentina and Germany will face each other for the third time in a World Cup final on Sunday 13 July, 2014 at the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
Honours are even with Argentina winning the 1986 World cup in Mexico City, whilst Germany prevailed in Italia 90.
Will it be Messi’s time to showcase to the world why he is regarded as the best player in the world or will Thomas Muller and Co spoil the party?
Let the battle commence as we shall soon find out who will be crowned champions of the FIFA World Cup 2014.
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