The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.
Host countries usually have success at World Cups and the 2014 edition was lined up for Brazil to add a sixth star to its jersey.
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After cruising through the group stage with two wins and a draw, the Seleção were pushed in their first two knockout stage matches. Chile took Brazil to penalty kicks, but Neymar‘s attempt in the fifth round was enough to send the hosts through. The Brazilians next faced Colombia in the quarterfinals where they advanced with a 2-1 win, but lost Neymar for the tournament with a lumbar vertebrae fracture.
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The win set up a semifinal matchup against Germany, which Brazil beat 2-0 in the 2002 World Cup final.
Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte would be the site of what resulted in the biggest World Cup semifinal defeat in tournament history.
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Germany wasted no time in silencing the heavy Brazilian crowd. Thomas Müller opened the scoring after 11 minutes and the goals continued to come in the first half. By the 29th minute, Germany had built up a 5-0 lead with the four goals after Müller’s coming in a six-minute span.
Brazil did not record a shot on target in the first half and many supporters were seen leaving at halftime.
Germany added to their lead in the second half with an André Schürrle brace 10 minutes apart to make it 7-0. Oscar’s 89th-minute goal was the only bright spot on a stunning day for Brazil.
“I won the World Cup, but I’m probably going to be most remembered because of the worst defeat in Brazil’s history. This is the worst day of my life,” said Luiz Felipe Scolari.
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The 7-1 defeat is tied for biggest loss in Brazil national team history. The loss also ended Brazil’s 62-game unbeaten streak on home soil.
Brazil would fall to the Netherlands in the third-place match 3-0, while Germany topped Argentina 1-0 in the final for its fourth World Cup title.
In two World Cups since that night at Belo Horizonte, Brazil has not advanced beyond the quarterfinals.
