The party is over. The carnival that has gripped Brazil over the past month has come to a shuddering, embarrassing halt.

Little things have every chance of winning or losing the World Cup final. But first, let's address the big things.

The "hand of God" proved decisive when Maradona's goal put paid to England's World Cup dream in 1986.

Editorial: The past month has shown once again the hold of the tournament, even on people who spare not a thought for football at any other time.

For brothers Liam, 10, and Ryan, 7, sibling rivalry has reached its peak ahead of Monday's World Cup final. Liam is backing Germany while Ryan is supporting Argentina.

The FIFA World Cup final is upon us. Football fans across the world will be biting their nails when Germany go head to head with Argentina.

Herald football writer Steven Holloway and his father Bruce, two-time NZ football writer of the year, argue over whether the 2014 World Cup is the best edition ever

For Adidas, the World Cup has already been won, whatever the outcome of Monday's final in Rio de Janeiro.

Yes, Brazil were bad. But far more importantly, the Germans were sensational, writes Chris Rattue.

Rod Emmerson's take on Brazil's demolition.

Kiwis bet more than a million dollars on the World Cup semifinal between Brazil and Germany - the biggest amount of the tournament so far.

Brazil were humiliated this morning in the World Cup semi-final, losing 7-1 to Germany, and the internet's reaction to the result was immediate.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says his side's stunning 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany in their World Cup semi-final is the worst day of his life.

Germany handed Brazil its heaviest World Cup loss ever this morning with an astounding 7-1 rout in the semifinals that stunned the host nation.

After the 1950 World Cup final, which Brazil lost 2-1 to Uruguay in Rio, the country's football was plunged into such deep despair the national team didn't play again for two years.

Brazil and Germany collide in a heavyweight clash of continental superpowers as the World Cup semi-finals get under way this morning.

Michael Burgess looks at three talking points ahead of tomorrow's semifinal clash between hosts Brazil and Germany.

As the World Cup heads into towards its climax, don't be surprised to see one of the biggest games decided by a penalty shootout.

It truly seems a miracle the yellow shirts have been so good for so long, writes Coen Lammers after travelling through Brazil.

New formations, roaming goalkeepers and a Latin uprising - Brazil 2014 has seen a revolution, writes Jason Burt.

This tournament has already delivered plenty of action, and now it's time to get set for the biggest World Cup semi final round in two decades.

Nick McDonald draws some parallels between football and trading, inspired by the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup.

He could have been forgiven for being laid-back - after all his team were 1-0 up in their World Cup quarter-final - but perhaps not quite so far.

Three days ago the World Cup was at their feet. Now four fans have had their hopes of football glory dashed in the tournament's quarter-finals.