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Germany 7 – Brazil 1, Football World Cup 2014, 8th June 2014, semi-final

Football World Cup 2014, 8th June 2014, semi-final
Germany 7 – Brazil 1
What a match!

As a sports psychologist, who's worked with footballers at different levels, I really enjoyed the match. Here's what I saw:

 0-0 The beginning. For Brazil there was such hope. When they had possession of the ball, the crowd cheered, and most of the stadium was a sea of Brazilian yellow and green. For Germany, they played equally well as Brazil, but the crowd was not willing them to do well or win.

1-0 Germany scored, Brazil looked surprised, their supporters looked surprised, the pressure increased for Brazil.  The Germans gained momentum after the first goal and looked more in control.

2-0   When Germany scored the second goal, the Brazilian players and fans looked shocked. How could this be happening? Is this really happening? What do we do? For Germany, their momentum and confidence grew.

3-0   After the 3rd German goal, the Germans played with more confidence and belief. They were having fun out there. The Brazilian supporters were becoming quieter as the game progressed.

4-0    

5-0    By now the more and more Brazilian fans were cheering on the Germans! They had given up on their team and were appreciating the display they were seeing. German skill was met with chants of “Ole, ole” – chants normally reserved for their team, never before given to the opposition.

6-0

7-1 Brazil scored – at last – in the 90th minute. They had salvaged some pride. Germany showed their belief and professionalism by getting annoyed that they had allowed Brazil to score. Many would think what did it matter as they were 5 goals behind and with no chance to win? But, the Germans wanted to shut the Brazilians out, to prevent them from scoring at all. They wanted it and knew that they could do it. So ‘letting in a goal’ was a blow to them. Their goalie, Manuel Neuer, remonstrated to his defenders.

In short:
Brazil: Such hope, such devastation. 
Germany: Belief, execution, fun.
Hope without the ability to execute equals delusion.

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