The forgotten victors: How Germany’s inspired performance is being overlooked

Seven goals. The worst defeat in the team’s history. The heaviest loss ever in a World Cup semifinal. A match that will be abhorred for generations in South America’s largest country. A night that will never be forgotten by football fans.

In the aftermath of Germany’s shocking 7-1 annihilation of the hosts, there was plenty of talk that Brazil were lucky simply to reach this point of the competition. A grotesquely overrated team that should have lost to Chile and had the referees on their side all tournament long got what they deserved. A black stain on the country’s wonderful footballing tradition was finally figured out by a superior team. We should have all seen it coming.

Such sentiments are common because it drives the narrative forward. It’s also lazy, and largely untrue. Using that line of thinking, you could argue that Tuesday’s victors didn’t belong either.

Germany were lucky to escape Algeria in their Round of 16 match. The other semifinal features Argentina and the Netherlands, who both looked vulnerable against Switzerland and Mexico, respectively. Do none of the three teams remaining actually deserve their place?

Brazil were terrible on Tuesday in Belo Horizonte. Of that there is no doubt. But in all of the awe over the result, many seem to have forgotten a seemingly unforgettable fact: Germany were otherworldly.

A despondent, yet defiant Luiz Felipe Scolari said it best in his post-match press conference:

"I think it was their best match of the World Cup. And we had our worst match of the World Cup."

From the beginning, the Germans looked menacing. After an early flourish from the home side — following an emotional, riveting rendition of the national anthem aided by the decision to bring a Neymar jersey along for the pre-match ceremonies — the European side took control.

Toni Kroos was immaculate in midfield, scoring twice including a left-footed thunderbolt that put Die Mannschaft up 3-0 an effectively ended the contest. Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose were clinical, the latter breaking the World Cup scoring record of one of Brazil’s favorite sons. So cruel, and so appropriate.

Philipp Lahm proved again with one brilliant tackle why it was ridiculous for him not to be played at fullback all tournament long. Even Manuel Neuer was great when Brazil opened the second half with energy, hoping to salvage some respect in front of a home crowd that had started to turn on them.

The scowl on the face of Neuer after he saw his clean sheet disappear at the hands of Oscar in injury time told you everything you needed to know. Locked-in doesn’t even start to describe it. While Brazil were exposed as a fragile unit unable to cope with the absence of Neymar, Germany were stoic. The definition of focus. Mechanical, almost. Cliches exist for a reason.

All over the pitch, Jogi Low’s men were dominant in a way that resembled great German teams of the past. Meanwhile, Brazil were a shadow of their best selves.

Marcelo had been one of Brazil’s best performers thus far. Always an adventurous fullback who was great going forward, he was proving himself to be a dual threat with his defensive play in the tournament, after scoring an own goal in the opening minutes of the first match.

He was torn to shreds today by the movement of Muller.

Luiz Gustavo’s absence against Colombia was highlighted by many as a reason why Los Cafeteros would defeat the hosts. He was that good in this tournament. He was that vital. He was a non-factor today, completely overrun by the duo of Kroos and Sami Khedira.

His midfield partner was worse. If asked, Fernandinho will likely tell you that he had the worst match of his career, directly at fault for both the second and fourth goals.

A lesser team would not have been able to take advantage of the Brazilians’ porous display. Germany were up to the task, and then some.

All tournament long we’ve been bemoaning the fact that a true favorite hasn’t asserted itself as the team to beat. The parity has been fun, but everyone loves a favorite, be it to root for or against.

We have one now. Let’s not forget their role in the most remarkable result in World Cup history.