EMPICS Sport EMPICS Sport

IT WAS DIFFICULT to find words as Germany produced one of the most remarkable results in football history last night, beating hosts Brazil 7-1 to book their place in the World Cup final.

Here are some of the reactions from across a stunned football world:

Juninho Paulista, former Brazil midfielder:

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.

Franz Beckenbauer, former West Germany captain and coach:

What was that? Hard to believe.

Gary Lineker, former England striker:

In nigh-on half a century of watching football, that’s the most extraordinary, staggering, bewildering game I’ve ever witnessed.

Alejandro Sabella, Argentina coach:

7-1 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.

Bixente Lizarazu, former France defender:

It’s a humiliating, terrible defeat. I’m holding back because we’re suffering with them. Their World Cup is spoilt.

Didi Hamann, former Germany midfielder:

Master class from Germany. Clinical, organised, hard-working, unselfish and humble. Very proud of the team. One to go.

Rio Ferdinand:

I would worry that the Brazilian players might never recover from this. Some might not be able to come back from this.

Radamel Falcao, Colombia and Monaco:

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.

Brad Friedel:

“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!”

Theo Walcott, England and Arsenal:

Speechless!!!!

Sepp Blatter, FIFA President:

Hats off to Miroslav Klose! With 16 FIFA World Cup goals, he is the most prolific scorer in the tournament’s history.

Eamon Dunphy: ‘A great nation dead and buried, and they ain’t coming back Bill’

Why the Brazil-Germany game was the most incredible match I’ve ever witnessed