3 years ago today: Germany beat Brazil 7-1 at 2014 World Cup

BELO HORIZONTE, BRAZIL - JULY 08: Oscar and Fred of Brazil prepare to kick off after a goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Semi Final match between Brazil and Germany at Estadio Mineirao on July 8, 2014 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose/Getty Images) /

The most memorable game from the 2014 World Cup feels like just yesterday.

Exactly three years ago (as of Saturday, July 8), Germany shocked the world in the World Cup semifinal, steamrolling host nation Brazil 7-1 en route to the final. The Germans nullified Brazil from the get-go, scoring five times within the first half hour to erase any possibility of winning the World Cup at home for the Brazilians.

In case you need a refresher, here are the highlights from that astonishing game. Germany had first-half goals from Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, Sami Khedira and a pair from Toni Kroos. Andre Schurrle added to the damage in the second half, scoring in the 69th and 79th minutes to bring Die Mannschaft to their final total of seven goals.

Oscar scored for Brazil in the game’s 90th minute, but the damage was already done, as the hosts were handed their largest-ever defeat (tied with a 6-0 loss in 1920 to Uruguay). The crushing loss left the Brazilians utterly deflated, allowing the Netherlands to beat them handily in the third-place playoff (a 3-0 final score).

It had been an up-and-down tournament for Brazil, who topped Group A on goal differential despite a 0-0 draw with Mexico. The hosts then needed penalties to get past Chile in their round of 16 tie, before they beat Colombia 2-1 in the quarters to set up an infamous date with Germany.

Things were a little smoother for Germany as they went on to win the 2014 World Cup. Drawn into a tough Group G, they defeated Portugal and the United States, and drew with Ghana, to finish first. Their round of 16 match with Algeria needed extra time, but the Germans shut down France thoroughly in their 1-0 quarterfinal victory.

Next: Best soccer rivalries of all time

The most recent World Cup will be partly remembered for disappointing showings from many high-profile teams, including Brazil. None of Spain, Portugal, England or Italy managed to advance past the group stage after struggling against upstart sides like Chile and Costa Rica.

Home/World Cup