The Greatest Knockout Stage Shocks In World Cup History

#4 World Cup 2014 Semi-Final: Germany 7 – 1 Brazil

Soccer - FIFA World Cup 2014 -

Semi Final

- Brazil v Germany - Estadio Mineirao

Was it a surprise to see Germany defeat Brazil to progress to the final of the 2014 World Cup? Not a massive one, no. What the surprise here was, though, is the manner in which the Germans absolutely decimated their opposition.

Brazil had been at their free-flowing best throughout the tournament, and the nation as a whole was embracing the side and cheering them on at every turn. Emotions were high, energy levels were up, and expectations were huge. Then, along come the Germans with one of the greatest performances in World Cup history.

By the time the whistle was blown at the end of 90 minutes, Germany had romped home to an emphatic 7-1 win over the host nation.

Thanks to a Mario Gotze goal, Germany would defeat Argentina in the final and take home the iconic World Cup trophy. As for Brazil, the nation was left in mourning after their jaw-dropping defeat.