Football: Who’s saying what about about Germany’s rout of Brazil
PHOTO:FIFA
BELO HORIZONTE – Global reaction to Germany’s record-breaking 7-1 mauling of Brazil in the World Cup semi-finals on Tuesday:
“It will be difficult to recover. Some players I don’t think will be back to wear the Brazilian shirt. It is wrong now to criticise the players. On the field, Germany taught us how to play football. We have to learn from that.”
– Former Brazil midfielder Juninho Paulista
“What was that? Hard to believe.”
– Former West Germany captain and coach Franz Beckenbauer
“In nigh-on half a century of watching football, that’s the most extraordinary, staggering, bewildering game I’ve ever witnessed.”
– Former England striker Gary Lineker (Twitter)
“Seven-one is not a normal result between two world footballing powers. But football can be like that. Sometimes things happen that you don’t expect, and that is why it is beautiful.”
– Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella
“It’s a humiliating, terrible defeat. I’m holding back because we’re suffering with them. Their World Cup is spoilt.”
– Former France left-back Bixente Lizarazu (Twitter)
“Master class from Germany. Clinical, organised, hard-working, unselfish and humble. Very proud of the team. One to go.”
– Former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann (Twitter)
“I would worry that the Brazilian players might never recover from this. Some might not be able to come back from this.”
– Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand
“A result that leaves us all surprised. Difficult, this moment, for the players and the people of Brazil. The important thing now (is) that peace reigns.”
– Colombia and Monaco striker Radamel Falcao (Twitter)
“I know a lot of people thought Germany, but did anyone think it would be like this? Another reason why this has been the best World Cup in history!”
– Former United States goalkeeper Brad Friedel (Twitter)
“Speechless!!!!”
– Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott (Twitter)
“Hats off to (Germany striker) Miroslav Klose! With 16 FIFA World Cup goals, he is the most prolific scorer in the tournament’s history.”
– FIFA president Sepp Blatter (Twitter)