Reality

I expected a fight. I never imagined watching Brazil fall apart like this.  Germany’s 7–1 victory over the hosts in the World Cup semi-final left me stunned. A nation that lives and breathes football had watched its team suffer a defeat almost beyond belief. Losing to Germany was always possible. Conceding seven goals on this stage was something few could have imagined. The warning came with the opening goal. Thomas Müller was left unmarked at a corner, giving him the space to put Germany ahead. Brazil’s defending was disorganised, and Germany soon exposed how fragile it was. Between the 23rd and 29th minutes, Miroslav Klose, Toni Kroos twice and Sami Khedira scored four goals. Before half an hour had passed, Brazil were trailing 5–0. Watching it unfold, I struggled to understand how a team could lose its composure so completely. Germany were outstanding. Their passing had purpose, their movement created space, and their finishing punished Brazil repeatedly. Players found teammates...