With Neymar out injured, just about everyone in Brazil knew it would be tough against Germany.

Nobody ever expected this.

The Germans tore apart Brazil's porous defense time and time again Tuesday, routing the hosts 7-1 in the World Cup semifinals, the largest margin of defeat at this stage in the history of the tournament.

''We wanted to make the people happy ... unfortunately we couldn't,'' said Brazil defender David Luiz, who had scored in each of the last two matches. ''We apologize to all Brazilians.''

The astounding scoreline is sure to overshadow Miroslav Klose's record-setting 16th career World Cup goal. The strike pushed Klose past Brazil great Ronaldo, who was at the Mineirao Stadium on Tuesday as the Germans advanced to their eighth World Cup final.

Germany will face either Argentina or the Netherlands on Sunday at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro with a chance to win for the fourth time.

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