In the heat of football, success or failure is often a matter of moments. That's the charm of football, but also the cruelty of football. Just like on the day of the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, 56,000 spectators witnessed a historic battle at the Mineiro Stadium. This match is not only a competitive duel, but also a mental contest.
Brazil are struggling without two key players – defender Thiago Silva is out on suspension and striker Neymar suffered a fractured lumbar vertebra in the quarter-finals. It has to be said that this is a major blow to the Brazilian team. Bernard and Dante came off the bench, while the captain's armband was worn on David Luiz's arm. Before the game, the Brazilian players sang the national anthem and raised their arms to cheer for Neymar and fight for national honor.
However, the brutality of the match was on full display soon after the opening. Brazil showed an attacking start as Marcelo and Hulk tested German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. However, the Germans defended solidly, not only successfully holding off Brazil's attack, but also taking the lead on the counter-attack. Muller's goal, like a bolt from the blue, completely disrupted the layout of the Brazilian team.
In the ensuing game, the Brazilian team seemed to lose their bearings. Their mentality began to fluctuate and they conceded goals in a row. In the stands, the anxiety and uneasiness of the Brazilian fans gradually increased, but they never expected that the worst was yet to come.
Germany's Klose, Kroos and others scored consecutive goals to widen the score. By the 29th minute, Khedira's goal almost ended the game. At half-time, Brazil's players faced a tougher second half, while Germany remained calm.
In this game, the performance of the German team can be described as consistent and efficient. They have demonstrated a high level of professionalism and competition. Khedira mentioned in an interview that coach Loew had told his players to be respectful of their opponents and not to show arrogance on the pitch.
At the start of the second half, Germany slowed down the pace of attack, but Brazil's shot was never able to break through Neuer's defence. In the final minutes of the game, Muller and Schurrle scored again to make the score 7-0, setting a new all-time record for goals scored in the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
Towards the end of the game, SIPG vice president Oscar used his personal ability to score a goal, although it could not save the defeat, but at least saved some face for the Brazilian team. The final whistle blew and the game was over, a match that was not only a nightmare for Brazil, but also the darkest day in their football history.
This fiasco was not only a loss of a game for Brazil, but also a mental blow. The reactions of the fans have also been varied. After the game, some fans expressed their displeasure by burning their shirts in disappointment and anger. There have even been riots on the streets of Brazil, with at least 20 cars reportedly burned in the clashes. The match set off an atmosphere of surprise, depression, horror and sadness across Brazil, and the whole country was shocked by the result.
Brazil's head coach Scolari called it the darkest day in Brazilian football history, while Ronaldo, a legend of Brazilian football, said he never wanted to remember the game again. The impact of the match on Brazilian football was profound, and since then, Brazil have failed to reach the last four in the following World Cups.
The process and result of this game also made people re-examine the tactical arrangement of the Brazilian team. Many believe that with Neymar injured and Silva suspended, Scolari's insistence on attacking tactics was a mistake. If Brazil can opt for a more conservative defensive strategy, they may be able to get some chances.
Brazil, a country that regards football as its national spirit, has its football honour and shame etched in history. The passion and love of the fans has given football a special place in this country, but this match has undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to that love.
Looking back at this game, we can see the impermanence of fate on the football field and the cruelty of the game. It is not only a competition between athletes, but also a cultural and spiritual contest. Every victory and defeat has a profound impact on the hearts of the fans.
The 7-1 nightmare was a profound lesson and a turning point for Brazilian football. After this match, Brazilian football began a process of self-examination and reconstruction. People are starting to wonder, when will the spring of Brazilian football arrive?