Toni Kroos
Toni Kroos scored two goals of an extraordinary five for Germany in the first half of their World Cup semifinal with Brazil Reuters

Germany stunned hosts Brazil with an incredible five goals in the first half of their 2014 World Cup semifinal. Thomas Müller put Germany a goal to the good in just the 11th minute, before they ran riot with four goals in six minutes midway through the opening period.

The punishment started when Müller was left extraordinarily unmarked from a corner and volleyed home from six yards. As Brazil continued to stream forward in search of an equalizer, they fatally left an incredible amount of space. And a brilliant Germany exploited it ruthlessly.

First on 23 minutes, Miroslav Klose finished at the second attempt after a save form Julio Cesar to double Germany’s lead and become the outright leading goalscorer in World Cup history. To rub more pain into the wounds of the hosts, Klose had eclipsed the 15 of Brazilian legend Ronaldo.

More pain for Brazil was soon to follow. A low cross from the left was allowed to reach Toni Kroos on the edge of the box and he blasted a first-time shot low into the corner.

Before anyone could catch their breath, Kroos had scored again, this time the Bayern Munich midfielder exchanging passes with Sami Khedira and taking advantage of the unreal space Brazil were affording him by finishing simply. Khedira would not have to wait long for a goal of his own. In a repeat of the fourth goal, this time Khedira played a one-two with Mesut Ozil before ensuring Julio Cesar was beaten for a fifth time in one of the most incredible 45 minutes in the history of the World Cup.

Germany