Shock bigger than Maracanazo

Photo: Getty Images

A tragedy, bigger than Maracanazo, has consumed Brazil Wednesday. Brazil were thrown out of the World Cup; a heart-break that the hosts could get over with. But a 7-1 thrashing by the Germans? No way! Brazil would never be able to swallow the insult.  
A rare Brazilian disorder led to this catastrophic loss, the worst ever by a Selecao side. The first German goal came in an ominous fashion 11 minutes into the match. Thomas Mueller, the leading scorer for Germany, could not possibly believe the way he was left completely unmarked at the far post when an ordinary corner-kick sent in his direction. He just had to complete the formality by tabbing it home.

Willian of Brazil reacts after the 1-7 defeat in 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: Getty Images

For another 10 minutes or so, everybody thought that Brazil would come back into the match despite suffering the early goal. But the world has never seen anything like what happened in the next six minutes. Germany scored again, and again, and again, and again. Four goals inside six crazy minutes! Brazil were dumfounded, disorganised and then panicked. During this humiliating spell, Brazil's defence broke down completely, failing to do even the most basic jobs, such as man-marking, clearing its lines and closing down the opponents.
The humiliation went beyond anybody's imagination. Germans were like a ruthless machine. They kept coming back and continued exploiting the defence disorder. They made the Brazilians look like a team of amateurs. The match will be remembered more for Brazilian blunders than German skills.

Luiz Felipe Scolari. Photo: Getty Images

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had to use his Plan B as Brazil were missing their talismanic player Neymar and defence linchpin Thiago Silva. True, his attack and defence became way too vulnerable due to their absence.  But it was hoped, his alternative plan will cover it all. Brazil were expected to be less attacking but more defending and less impressive but more effective. Brazil could do nothing. The tactics Scolari used or the replacements he picked just backfired.
Big Phil, your Plan B bit the dust. And so is my sooth-saying! I wished Germany safe flight home before the match. I wish them safe flight again, but, this time, with the World Cup.