Tuesday's World Cup semi-final was a game that will go down in history. The reasons are both good and bad. Germany humiliated and dominated Brazil by a final score of 7-1. Very few expected a result of this nature in a World Cup semi-final, but also an awful display by a prominent team like Brazil.

The game started off without an inkling of what was to come. Brazil played with high intensity as did Germany and the game was fluid and open. Just past the 10 minute mark, Germany's Thomas Muller scored the opening goal. Toni Kroos delivered a corner into the penalty box that found an unmarked Muller. Muller made a bulge in the old onion bag to give Germany a 1-0 lead. It was Muller's 5th goal of the 2014 World Cup and his 10th career World Cup goal. That was just the beginning of Brazil's woes.

Brazil were frantic after that goal and it was clear that the team was worried. Their worries were founded in the 23rd minute with the first historic moment of the match. Toni Kroos found Thomas Muller who then let the ball off for Miroslav Klose. Klose's first attempt was stopped by Julio Cesar, but he got the rebound and fired it in the back of the net to give Germany a two goal lead. It was Klose's second goal of the 2014 World Cup, but more importantly, it was Klose's 16th all-time World Cup goal. That is a new record, eclipsing Brazil's Ronaldo record of 15 goals.

It did not take long for Germany to continue the onslaught as they put another goal on the board in the 24th minute. Phillipp Lahm put a cross into the box that was too far out in front of Muller. Fortunately, the ball fell to Toni Kroos who had a wonderful left-footed shot to the bottom left corner past Cesar. Kroos was rewarded with a goal for his contributions on the first two goals.

Kroos was not done scoring and added his second in the 26th minute. Kroos won the ball from Fernandinho, played it Sami Khedira who played it back and once again found the back of the net. The Brazil defense was caught out and made it easy for Kroos to net his second goal.

The fifth and final goal for Germany in the first half came in the 29th minute. Khedira won the ball and passed to Mesut Ozil who gave it back to Khedira. Khedira made no mistake, like his fellow compatriots, and buried the goal.

Germany scored five goals in 30 minutes and the last four in a six minute span. The five goals scored by Germany in 30 minutes were the fastest five goals ever scored at a World Cup.

Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari made two halftime changes, but they were in vain. Ramires came on for Hulk while Paulinho came on for Fernandinho. Joachim Low countered by taking Mats Hummels off in favor of Per Mertersacker.

Brazil started well in the 2nd half and laid siege to the German goal. However, Manuel Neuer was more than up to the task as he made several brilliant saves. Oscar had a chance in the 52nd minute, but Neuer came up with an excellent kick save to keep the clean sheet in tact. Paulinho had two tries in the 53rd minute, but both were saved by Neuer.

Germany were not done scoring after their five goal performance in the first half. Andre Schurrle replaced Miroslav Klose in the 58th minute and only need 10 minutes to get on the score sheet. Lahm played the ball out to Khedira and he played it right back to Lahm inside the penalty area. Lahm put in a pass to a wide open Schurrle and Muller. Schurrle got to the ball first and put his foot through to make it 6-0 Germany in the 69th minute.

In the 79th minute, Schurrle made it 7-0 Germany with a beautiful goal. He was wide open in the penalty box and hit the ball high against the underside of the cross bar. The ball bounced into the net and the destruction was complete.

Brazil did prevent Germany from keeping a clean sheet in the 90th minute. Oscar got behind the Germany defense and blasted a shot past Neuer to make the score 7-1. It was hardly a consolation prize for Brazil. Try as they might, Brazil and their fans will not soon forget this debacle.

Some of the historic notes on this game are as follows:

- The seven goals by Germany are most ever in a World Cup Semi-final.

- The 7-1 loss is the worst by Brazil since 1920. That year Brazil lost 6-0 against Uruguay in the Copa America.

- Brazil lost their first competitive match on home soil since September 30, 1975. Peru won 3-1 that day during the Copa America.

Germany advances to their 8th World Cup Final on Sunday. They will face the winner of Wednesday's semi-final between Netherlands and Argentina. Brazil will play in the 3rd place game on Saturday. They will face the loser of Wednesday's game.

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About the author
Matthew Dixon
I follow College Football at all levels; FBS, FCS, Division II, and Division III. In addition, I am a horse racing enthusiast.