In four decades of watching football, that was possibly the most extraordinary match I have ever seen. Although I expected Germany's all-round excellence and professionalism to ultimately prevail, I also anticipated a tight, nervy affair, with the Brazil team sustained and lifted by the fervent support of the crowd and the emotion of the moment.
In the event, we were confronted with a result which will echo down the ages. Perhaps the ease with which Thomas Mueller slotted home the opener, with Brazilian defensive marking almost non-existent, should have hinted at what was about to unfold. The German players themselves appeared to sense what might be afoot, and went about their task with evident relish.
Brazil had got this far in the tournament through a combination of emotion, patriotic zeal, guts and good fortune. However, they were found out when faced with a team with the single-mindedness, savvy and ability to fully exploit their underlying shortcomings. Those who predicted that the absence of Thiago Silva would be even more keenly felt than that of Neymar may have had a point, but in all honesty Brazil would probably have still lost heavily even if their captain had been available for selection. They were that shambolic, especially in the first forty-five minutes.
It goes without saying that this result will prompt much soul-searching within Brazilian football, but the response of Germany in the final will be interesting. With any other team one might query whether they will have an adverse reaction of some kind to this somewhat bizarre semi-final. However, from the quotes emanating from the German camp afterwards, and from what we know of the players, we can only assume that this will solidify their self-belief, and make them even more formidable come Sunday evening in Rio.
Argentina and the Netherlands will have to go some to match the drama and the momentous nature of the encounter in Belo Horizonte.....
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