Brazil blown away by ruthless Germany

Brazil suffered a complete capitulation as the World Cup hosts were humiliated 7-1 by Germany in their semifinal in Belo Horizonte. 

- Germany's lopsided win makes statistical history

Germany scored five goals inside the first half an hour -- four of which came in an unbelievable six-minute spell -- before adding another two in the second half as they moved a step closer to becoming the first European side to lift the World Cup on South American soil. 

Joachim Low's side will face Netherlands or Argentina in the final at the Maracana on Sunday after despatching Brazil in convincing style, with Germany's remarkable victory punctuated by Miroslav Klose breaking the all-time World Cup scoring record -- his 16th goal coming in his fourth semifinal. 

The rout, Brazil's worst ever defeat, began in the 10th minute when Thomas Muller turned home Toni Kroos' corner to bag his fifth goal at the 2014 finals and his 10th overall in the World Cup. 

Klose doubled the lead 12 minutes later to begin arguably the most astonishing six minutes in the tournament's history, surpassing Ronaldo's 15-goal haul as he slotted the ball home after seeing his initial shot saved by Julio Cesar. 

Next to add his name to the scoresheet was Toni Kroos, who helped himself to a quickfire brace. The first was a volleyed effort from 15 yards and the second an easy finish into an open net following a neat pass from Sami Khedira. 

Khedira scored himself to make it 5-0, the Real Madrid midfielder sidefooting home to leave Brazilian players and fans utterly distraught. 

Without star man Neymar to inspire in attack or, more importantly as it transpired, captain Thiago Silva to shore up the defence -- Brazil were bereft of belief. 

Despite their disastrous first half, the Selecao did rally somewhat in the second but a series of impressive saves from Manuel Neuer kept the door to a comeback firmly closed.

And Germany refused to show any mercy as substitute Andre Schurrle finished from Philipp Lahm's cross to make it 6-0, before adding his second and Germany's seventh with a rifled finish from a tight angle. 

Brazil did, at least, have the final say as Oscar sprinted through to score a goal that was scant consolation to those in yellow. 

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side must now prepare for a third-place playoff, while Germany -- who overtook Brazil to become the top scoring nation in World Cup history -- can look forward to a first appearance in the final since they last won the trophy in 1990. 

© ESPN staff