The veteran striker broke Ronaldo's record for finals goals as Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle combined to decimate Luiz Felipe Scolari's side
Germany have reached the World Cup final after they annihiliated hosts Brazil 7-1 in their semi-final clash in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.
Miroslav Klose broke Ronaldo's long-standing record for goals in the tournament, while Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle all struck in a sensational performance from Joachim Low's side before Oscar scored a late consolation. More pictures after jump....But back then, Brazil boasted Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and even a young Kaka on the bench. There was no shortage of fantasy football to pacify the purists. But not now. With Neymar out on Tuesday, this team have lost their one talent comparable to the greats of yesteryear.
In the meantime, Brazil have no clear plan. Previously, they never needed one because their production line of talent created so many fantastic footballers. But is it drying up? The presence of tecnhically limited forwards such as Fred and Jo in this squad suggests a broader strategy may be needed.
The current side is very much in Scolari's shape, with very basic tactics and a reliance on counter-attacking football, while Neymar was injured defending on the edge of his area in the closing minutes against Colombia. It is hard to imagine something similar happening to Ronaldinho.