Joachim Low: 'Brazil cracked up during first half'

Germany manager Joachim Low has suggested that Brazil cracked up during the first half of their heavy defeat in the World Cup semi-final, allowing his side to take advantage.

Die Mannschaft scored five times in the opening 29 minutes to put the result beyond doubt to the despair of many inside the Estadio Minerao in Belo Horizonte. While Low confessed that the final score was a surprise, he insisted that his players stuck to a plan.

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.

"We had a clear, persistent game-plan and if we were courageous and believed in our own strengths, we would win this match.

"That the result would be so emphatic was not to be expected."

The Netherlands face Argentina in the second semi-final on Wednesday evening.