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

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

Rod Emmerson's take on Brazil's demolition.

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.

As the Fifa World Cup draws near its glorious finale, the calls of "best tournament ever" have been thrown around wildly.

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.

The Dutch completely deserved to win their World Cup quarter final, but their tactical switch of goalkeepers was against the spirit of the game, writes Michael Burgess.

As the eyes of the world are on the carnival of sport at the Football World Cup in Brazil, we meet Kiwis who have made the South American mecca home.

With the help of the internet's CIA factbook, the Herald on Sunday has pieced together the evidence from previous matches and looks at what is to come.

What they lack in beauty, Brazil are making up for with backbone.

NZ-based Brazil fans are thrilled their team is through to the Fifa World Cup semifinals - but their joy is tempered slightly by the loss of key player Neymar.

So it is developing into a World Cup about individuals. Lionel Messi and Neymar have put their countries a couple of games away from a final.

Goodbye Qatar, hello Australia. That's my message to Fifa, which needs to swallow its pride and switch the venue for the 2022 World Cup.

Our football writers add their thoughts and predictions ahead of the World Cup quarter-finals.