Brazil's World Cup dream was smashed into oblivion as majestic Germany ran riot to win an extraordinary semi-final 7-1 on Tuesday and send the South American hosts crashing to their worst ever defeat in their 100-year footballing history.

Sixty-four years after Brazil was plunged into national mourning after their loss in the 1950 final, the hosts were torn apart in a defeat likely to be every bit as traumatic as the fabled “Maracanazo.” Tearful Brazil captain David Luiz immediately apologised to the nation after the rout.

“Apologies to everybody, apologies to all the Brazilian people,” said Luiz, his eyes red from tears.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari echoed the mood of despair.

“We ask for forgiveness,” said a shellshocked Scolari. “To the people, please excuse us for this negative mistake.” Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff added to the gloom.

“Like every Brazilian, I am very, very sad about this defeat. I am immensely sorry for all of us. Fans and our players,” she wrote on Twitter.
Germany star Thomas Mueller, who plundered his fifth goal of the tournament in the thrashing, admitted he was shocked by the scale of the victory. (AFP)