Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from day 26 of the World Cup.
We will be bringing you all of the latest news and gossip coming out of Brazil as the tournament gets back underway this evening with the first of the semi-finals.
The hosts take on Germany in Belo Horizonte tonight for a place in Sunday's final, while the Netherlands and Argentina meet tomorrow in the other last-four showdown.
One thing is for sure. The second semi-final has a lot to live up to. Jack Prescott will be in the chair from 11am today, bringing you all the build-up and news from Sao Paulo. Until then it's good night!
However, that record was gazumped by the outcome of the game in Belo Horizonte. An expectant home crowd in the Estadio Minerao may have hoped for victory, but what they got was Brazil's worst defeat in 94 years as they were beaten 7-1 (you did read that scoreline correctly, I promise). Fans of the Selecao and players were brought to tears.
So, a quick recap from today at the World Cup. Miroslav Klose finally became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals with 16 goals to his name, during the first half of Germany's semi-final with Brazil.
Before we wrap up tonight's coverage of the World Cup, I will point you towards Wednesday's semi-final in Sao Paulo between Argentina and the Netherlands. Will Lionel Messi take a step closer to the trophy or will the Dutch reach a second consecutive final? Jack Prescott previews the highly anticipated encounter and Sports Mole will have live commentary of the game.
However, Toni Kroos has gone further by saying that he is "convinced" that the three-time World champions will lift the trophy again this weekend.
"We have to deliver another absolutely top performance otherwise we will lose the final - and I am convinced we will win," Kroos told reporters.
Mats Hummels has already called on Germany's players to begin focusing on Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina or the Netherlands. The 25-year-old also admitted that the squad was "surprisingly quiet" after their 7-1 win over Brazil, because they knew that they were going to final with a hour of the game left to play.
Brazil keeper Julio Cesar has said that the manner of their defeat on Tuesday evening was "inexplicable". The Queens Park Rangers player was forced to pick the ball out of his net on five occasions as Germany were out of sight before half-time.
Joachim Low has said his players were aware of Brazil "cracking up" midway through the first half of Germany victory in Belo Horizonte and he claimed that his team were able to capitalise as a result.
He told reporters: "Scoring three in four minutes, the hosts were in shock. We were extremely cool and realised they were cracking up, and we took advantage of that."
Meanwhile, Germany's prolific forward Thomas Muller has called on his teammates not to get carried away with their defeat of Brazil. Joachim Low's men will face the winner of the second semi-final between Argentina and the Netherlands and will be hoping to win the World Cup for the first time in 24 years.
So, before I may have said that some Brazil player's were worthy of a zero out of 10 rating for tonight's showing against Germany. Well, all I'll say is Barney Corkhill's player ratings for the first World Cup semi-final make for an interesting read!
Alan Hansen has called Brazil's loss to Germany to lowest point in the 50 years that he has been watching the Selecao.
"You have to give Germany credit but that is a woeful, woeful performance that could not get any lower. I don't think the Germans can believe what they have just done. Nobody could have summed this up," the Scot told BBC Sport.
I mentioned earlier that Louis van Gaal was expecting a close game on Wednesday, but how many people were expecting the outgoing Dutch coach to link-up with his new team, Manchester United, within a week of the World Cup Final? Reports suggest that the 62-year-old will be joining the Red Devils on their pre-season tour of United States.
While Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has been his country for forgiveness, ex-Selecao midfielder Juninho has suggested that several of the current squad may have made their last international apperance.
During the game, a number of Brazil players were jeered by the predominantly home crowd in Belo Horizonte.
Brazil's manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has taken the blame for his country's igniminious exit for the World Cup at the hands of Germany.
He told reporters: "Who is responsible for this result? I am, it's me. The blame for this catastrophic result can be shared between us all, but the person who decided the line-up, the tactics was me. It was my choice."
Briefly looking ahead to Wednesday and the second semi-final between the Netherlands and Argentina in Sao Paulo. Dutch coach Louis van Gaal has said he is expecting a close game between the two sides. Van Gaal even suggests that his side may need some luck to emerge victorious.
Barney's been very busy this evening. His analysis of the first semi-final is now ready for your perusal. Turn away if you're not one for criticism of Brazil!
So you may be forgiven for thinking that Brazil didn't concede seven (yes seven!) goals tonight. Well Barney Corkhill's commentary is available to remind you that it really did happen. Minutes 22-29 make for particularly interesting reading!
David Luiz has apologised to "all the Brazilian people" for his team's display in the 7-1 defeat against Germany. Luiz deputised as captain for Thiago Silva, who was banned for the semi-final.
"Apologies to everybody, apologies to all the Brazilian people. I just wanted to see my people smile. We all know how important it was for me to see all of Brazil be happy, at least because of football," BBC Sport quotes the defender as saying.
Some rare good news for the Brazilian nation. A study has claimed that the country has received a $13.5bn (£7.9bn) economic boost from staging the tournament. Before and throughout the World Cup, thousands of protesters have vented their anger at the cost of staging the event against a backdrop of poverty and under investment in areas of Brazilian society.
Before the clock strikes 2am, we'll hopefully bring you reaction to Miroslav Klose's record-breaking night. The Lazio forward is now the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup finals with 16 goals, overtaking Ronaldo in the process. It really was a bad night for the Brazilians!
So coming up in next few hours, we'll reaction from Belo Horizonte. Sports Mole's very own Barney Corkhill will be providing analysis on tonight's proceedings. He'll also be offering his players ratings for both Germany and Brazil. Any chance that members of the Selecao will score zero based on this evening's display? Perhaps not, but you'll be the first to know!
Thank you Callum...wow! Is there a chance I'll wake up and that result will be a mere dream? I thought the latter stages of a World Cup involved cagey encounters? I'm with you for the next few hours. To be honest it may take that long for us all to come to terms with tonight's events.
Are you still struggling to work out what happened tonight? Have a read of the match report while you attempt to recover from a stunning couple of hours at this crazy World Cup. That's all from me tonight, but Chris O'Keefe is here to bring you all of the reaction.
FULL TIME: Oscar scores in the final minute, but not even a late consolation goal can save the hosts from humiliation. Brazil have been awful, but a fantastic German display has seen Joachim Low's side book their spot in the World Cup final in incredible fashion.
GOAL! There's a round of applause inside the stadium as the Brazilian supporters admit defeat when Schurrle fires in Germany's sixth from the tightest of angles. It's 7-0! I've never seen anything like this at a World Cup.
GOAL! The jeers are getting louder as Germany make it 6-0 with one of the easiest goals you will see scored at the World Cup. Philipp Lahm rolls the ball across the box to substitute Andre Schurrle, who has the simple task of tapping in from a few yards out.
Away from the madness in Belo Horizonte, Louis van Gaal has turned up the pressure on Lionel Messi ahead of the second semi-final by suggesting the Argentina forward has struggled to produce his best on the biggest stage.
Brazil have made a very bright start to the second half, with Manuel Neuer making a number of good saves to keep his sheet clean. Where was they in the first half? Too little, too late for the Brazilians.
The players are back out on the pitch, but I'm not sure if the Brazilians want to be there anymore. It's about damage limitation for the hosts now as they look to avoid any further embarrassment. How many more goals can Germany score?
You can read a full recap of an incredible first half in Belo Horizonte with my half time report. I'm not sure if anyone could have predicted this happening.
HALF TIME: It's jeers from the home supporters as the referee brings one of the most incredible 45 minutes of football to a close in Belo Horizonte. Germany lead Brazil 5-0 after a completely dominant display from Joachim Low's men. It's been embarrassing for Luiz Felipe Scolari.
GOAL! There is not time to bring you any other news from Brazil because we are seeing one of the worst defensive displays ever at a World Cup. Amazingly, it is now 5-0 to Germany as Khedira slots home from just a few yards out with the Brazilian defenders looking desperate and helpless inside the box. Germany don't seem to be finished, either.
GOALS! What on earth is going on in Belo Horizonte? Kroos arrives late on the scene to fire past Cesar to make it 3-0 in the 24th minute, and the lead is extended even further just moments later when Germany take advantage of some crazy defending to set up Kroos for his second. Germany lead 4-0, and the clock hasn't hit 30 minutes. Incredible.
GOAL! Miroslav Klose has done it. The German become the record goalscorer at the World Cup by tapping home after seeing his first opportunity saved. Brazil trail by 2-0 with three quarters of the game remaining. Is there any way back?
GOAL! It's been an exciting start in Belo Horizonte, and the deadlock is broken in just the 11th minute when Thomas Muller converts after finding himself in plenty of space to meet a corner. Germany score a huge early goal!
KICKOFF: Germany get the game underway. Who will be the first side to book their spot in Sunday's World Cup final?
If you're eager to follow the match between Brazil and Germany more closely, then make sure you join Barney Corkhill for his live text coverage. The national anthems are now being played, with the first whistle just moments away.
One more word from the Argentines before the match gets started in Belo Horizonte. Javier Mascherano has called for more help to be given to Lionel Messi as Alejandro Sabella's side prepare to met the Netherlands in 24 hours.
Sergio Romero, the Argentine goalkeeper who worked with Louis van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar, admits that he has a lot to thank the Dutch coach for ahead of tomorrow's second semi-final between their two nations, and has labelled the new Manchester United manager his saviour.
Before the action gets underway in Belo Horizonte, there's some strong words coming from the Netherlands camp ahead of Wednesday's semi-final against Argentina. Stefan de Vrij has insisted that he is not scared of battling Lionel Messi as the Dutch look to reach a second successive final.
Thank you, Pascal! The first semi-final is less than an hour away. The two teams are in, with a surprise or two from both managers. Miroslav Klose has been trusted to lead the line for Germany. Will the World Cup legend end Brazilian hopes tonight?
Anyway, time for me to say goodbye and pass you over to Callum Mulvihill, who will guide you through the game in Belo Horizonte as well as bring you more World Cup news. Enjoy the game!
And surprisingly, Miroslav Klose keeps his place in the Germany team!
GERMANY XI: Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, Hoewedes; Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Ozil, Klose, Muller
Indeed Bernard does start!
BRAZIL XI: Julio Cesar; Maicon, David Luiz, Dante, Marcelo; Fernandinho, Gustavo; Bernard, Oscar, Hulk; Fred
We're expecting team news very soon and rumours are just emerging that Luiz Felipe Scolari has replaced Neymar in the starting lineup with Bernard. Bold move!
Although Van Persie might have to sit out for Netherlands tomorrow, Oranje could be boosted by the sensational return of Nigel de Jong. More here.
And that is as far as I take you today. Taking you through the next three hours will be Pascal Lemesre - over to you Pascal...
Brazil forward Hulk has given his backing to stand-in captain David Luiz ahead of the team's World Cup semi-final with Germany. The enigmatic defender will skipper the host nation in Belo Horizonte tonight (Tuesday) due to the absence of the suspended Thiago Silva.
Former Italy goalkeeper Dino Zoff has become the latest name to heap praise on Germany shotstopper Manuel Neuer. Along with Brazil's Julio Cesar and Costa Rica's Keylor Navas, Neuer has been among a number of goalkeepers who have impressed so far at the World Cup.
Roberto Mancini has stated that he would be privileged to become the new head coach of Italy. The 49-year-old left Galatasaray at the end of the season after just nine months in charge, despite guiding the club to a second-place finish in the Super Lig.
Javier Mascherano has urged his Argentina teammates not to get carried away ahead of their World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands. The South Americans face the Dutch in Sao Paulo on Wednesday evening with a place in Sunday's final at stake.
Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has paid tribute to the national team following his appointment at Galatasaray. The 56-year-old was in charge of the Azzurri for four years before stepping down after their early exit at the World Cup.
Germany defender Jerome Boateng has claimed that the "whole stadium" will be against his side when they face Brazil in the World Cup semi-finals. As if you didn't know, Die Manschafft face the host nation in Belo Horizonte this evening with the winner going through to Sunday's final.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from the World Cup in Brazil. Having gone two horrible days without football, the tournament gets back underway this evening with the hosts meeting Germany in Belo Horizonte for a place in Sunday's final. We will be bringing you all of the latest news and gossip ahead of that match throughout the course of the day, but let's get the ball rolling by checking out some of the headlines from overnight...
