Klose breaks record for seven-goal Germany

Germany scored four goals in a stunning seven-minute spell midway through the first half as they ruthlessly picked Brazil apart in recording the biggest FIFA World Cup semi-final victory.

The three-time winners led 5-0 by the 29-minute mark in Belo Horizonte, Miroslav Klose doubling Germany's advantage with his record-breaking 16th World Cup finals goal. That came after Thomas Müller's opener and before two quickfire Toni Kroos strikes. Sami Khedira then made if five, with substitute André Schürrle on target twice after the break. Oscar registered a late consolation for the hosts. Argentina or the Netherlands await Germany in their eighth World Cup decider.      

There was no hint of the drama that was about to unfold as Brazil made a fast start, earning a corner inside two minutes and Marcelo dragging a shot wide. Indeed, the tempo from both sides was high in the early stages of an encounter that was over as a contest by the midway point of the first half.

Müller set Germany on their way after 11 minutes, placing a volley past Júlio César from Kroos's right-wing corner for his fifth goal of the finals. If Brazil were vulnerable without their suspended captain and centre-back Thiago Silva, it was uncertainty Joachim Löw's side mercilessly exploited. Klose took outright ownership of the record he held with Ronaldo – who he faced in the 2002 final – after a slick passing move between Kroos, Müller and the SS Lazio forward ended with the 36-year-old scoring at the second attempt.

Kroos swiftly drove in the third from the edge of the penalty area, Germany having worked the ball from the right, and within seconds of play restarting he was celebrating again. Fernandinho was dispossessed by the FC Bayern München player, who fed Sami Khedira. The Real Madrid CF man laid the ball back into Kroos's path for a simple finish. Khedira's selfless act was rewarded when he played a one-two with Mesut Özil and swept in the fifth. Game over before the half-hour mark.

Brazil, also minus Neymar, briefly showed some belated stomach for the fight in forcing Manuel Neuer into a flurry of saves early in the second half, but normal service was resumed when Schürrle finished off Philipp Lahm's cut-back. The Chelsea FC man staked a claim for goal of the night 11 minutes from time, bringing down Müller's hooked ball and firing in via the underside of the crossbar. Oscar had the last word for the demoralised hosts, but it was a mere footnote on a historic night for Germany.