The Tribune

By CAMERON HEPPLE

I HAVE to apologise for my match prediction, especially to Joseph, a loyal reader of my Tribune World Cup column. Twice now I have predicted Germany would be defeated, in the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.

But Germany have now proven they are a completely well-rounded team that can win the World Cup. After watching Brazil play with such confidence and determination against Colombia I thought they had found their rhythm and with the home country behind them they could defeat the Germans.

Not only was I wrong but also, what an embarrassing showing for the Brazilians in front of their own fans. No one expected the match to go the way it did: five goals in the first half is the most in a game since 1974 when Poland beat Haiti.

Brazil should have at least come out with a fighting mentality after the first half but it took until the last minute when they were 7-0 down to score a consolation goal.

Firstly, David Luiz had an absolute shocker of a match; if you look at the replay every time a goal was scored Luiz was jogging back - and he was playing centre back. Brazil’s two defensive midfielders stopped defending all together and allowed the Germans to control the midfield with classy combination plays. The disorganised Brazilian back two were dismantled.

Brazil looked as if they had no attacking plan whatsoever, resulting in long balls to forwards that were cleaned up by a German backline who were in complete control of the game. Germany played composed, simple and effective football with precision passing and quality off the ball movement always creating an option for their teammates.

But what was most impressive was the decision-making of the forwards on the counter-attack, using the Brazilian’s emotional defensive lunging tactics against them to create space to score goals.

You do have to question Scolari’s decision for his starting line up, trusting in Fred and Hulk who both disappointed again. But what I did not understand was the tactics he had against the Germans, having David Luiz move into a defensive midfield position proved to be a horrible decision.

There were some points in the match that looked like a training session for the Germans, making it so easy to make passes and score goals. Hopefully this form will continue into the final against the winners of today’s tie between Argentina and Netherlands. Congratulations to the Germans.

Man of the Match: Miroslav Klose – made history by scoring his 16th goal in World Cup finals, beating Brazilian Ronaldo who had held the record.

Shocker of the Match: David Luiz – he was on another planet. Played out of position and was more focused on getting other players cards or trying to kick them with the ball. No composure, no professionalism … in a semi-final!

World Cup facts: this was Brazil’s heaviest defeat in World Cup finals by far, eclipsing the 3-0 defeat by France in the 1998 final.

It was the first time a team had scored seven goals in a semi-final, and five before half-time. Germany’s five goals in the first 29 minutes is also a record. Germany have scored more goals at finals (223) than any other team, overtaking Brazil (220).

• Cameron Hepple is a Bahamian international, ex-professional footballer who is forging a career in coaching. He is providing insight on the World Cup for The Tribune.