Germany decided during half-time team talk not to humiliate Brazil

The Germans barely celebrated the sixth and seventh goal against Brazil in the World Cup semi-final.

After Germany were 5-0 up at half time, back in the dressing room, the players decided that they wouldn’t humiliate Brazil in the second half.

Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, Toni Kroos (twice) and Sami Khedira gave Die Mannschaft a commanding lead in the first half within 28 minutes. They eventually won the match 7-1 – Brazil’s worst loss in World Cup history – but it was obvious that they took their foot off the gas in the second half with only substitute Andre Schurrle scoring a brace.

Centre back Mats Hummels said, “We just made it clear that we had to stay focused and not try to humiliate them.

"We said we had to stay serious and concentrate at half-time. That's something you don't have to show on the pitch if you are playing.

"You have to show the opponent respect and it was very important that we did this and didn't try to show some magic or something like this. It was important we played our game for 90 minutes."

Brazil completely capitulated under the German onslaught, conceding 4 goals in six first half minutes after they were 1-0 down.

Hummels explained why it was so easy for the Germans.

"‎After our second goal they got confused. They were not organised on the pitch and after that we didn't miss a chance until we scored the fifth goal. This doesn't happen too often. You just have to enjoy it.

He also warned that this win would mean nothing unless they went on to win the final as well. “We must enjoy what happened, but if we lose the final, this semi-final will not be worth anything.”