RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) – The nation whose attacking soccer has thrilled the world for generations was left heart-broken on Tuesday after Brazil’s humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany in the World Cup semi-finals.
Brazil has hosted one of the most memorable World Cups ever but the country’s dream of winning on home soil was not the only thing shattered by a ruthless Germany in an extraordinary match in Belo Horizonte.
The South American country’s pride took a battering as the carnival atmosphere that had swept over the samba nation gave way to a state of shock and disbelief following Brazil’s heaviest ever international defeat.
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari issued a heart-felt apology to a country that had spent more than $11 billion to host the World Cup and invested its heart and soul in making the tournament a success.
“My message for the Brazilian people is this. Please excuse us for this performance,” he said.
“I’m sorry that we weren’t able to get to the final – and we’re going to try to win the third place match. We still have something to play for.”
Germany played superbly but were aided by a woeful Brazilian defence, which conceded five goals in a devastating 18-minute burst in the first half.
Read more at Reuters
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