Photos: National mourning, riots in the streets and even fans turning on themselves as World Cup hosts face up to utter humiliation of 7-1 defeat at hands of Germany
Violence broke out on the streets of Brazil after the dreams of millions of football fans were left in tatters last night.
Spectators inside The Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte were in tears as their side succumbed to a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in the World Cup semi-final, ending dreams of a title on home soil.
In response, riot police were out in force in several Brazilian cities in case trouble kicked off. In Rio de Janeiro officers descended on Copacabana beach amid reports of gunfire.
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Authorities were called to a densely-populated area of Sao Paulo after football supporters reportedly set a bus alight, leaving it as little more than a burnt-out shell. Police on horseback were called to the Fifa Fan Fest in Recife after scuffles broke out following Germany's third goal against Brazil. One of the police riders was taken to hospital after one of the horse panicked, throwing the policeman to the ground, according to reports.
Fights also reportedly broke out among Brazilian and German fans watching the game in the Savassi nightclub region of Belo Horizonte, where the semifinal showdown was taking place.
Brazil's high tempo only served to make them vulnerable on the break and Germany made them pay again, this time Klose becoming a World Cup's record-breaker with 16 goals.
Another sweet passing move saw Muller lay the ball off and although Cesar stopped his first effort, Klose buried the rebound.
This was another blow to the host nation, as the previous record holder was Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who scored 15 in three tournaments.
Brazil's head coach Felipe Scolari said he had experienced the worst day of his life in the wake of the result.
He said: 'I'll be remembered probably because I lost 7-1, the worst defeat Brazil have ever had, but that was a risk I knew I was running when I accepted this position. Life goes on. That's what I'll do.'
However, he rejected the suggestion that Neymar's serious injury, and the emotion created by his absence, had played a key part in the defeat.
'No, no, no. Let's not try to find an excuse in Neymar or the emotions of the anthem,' he said.
'Germany probably could have done that with Neymar in the side, also. He wouldn't have known how to defend those moves for the second, third, fourth and fifth goals.'
In Sao Paulo, Brazil's biggest city, thousands gathered in the Bohemian neighborhood of Vila Madalena, the streets carpeted with yellow, green and blue - the colours of the Brazilian flag.
Fan Samir Kelvin clung to a street pole and cried: 'I have nothing left! I am Brazilian and humiliate.'
Nearby, a woman cried out 'What shame, what shame!' as a man nearby was banging his head against a bar table.
After Germany scored an early goal, samba groups simply stopped drumming in shock. More goals followed and silence overtook bars as fans stared blankly at TV screens.
Thomas Muller scored early to give Germans the lead after being left completely unmarked from a corner.
Then a goal from Miroslav Klose, two from Toni Kroos and another from Sami Khedira followed to increase their lead.
Authorities were called to a densely-populated area of Sao Paulo after football supporters reportedly set a bus alight, leaving it as little more than a burnt-out shell. Police on horseback were called to the Fifa Fan Fest in Recife after scuffles broke out following Germany's third goal against Brazil. One of the police riders was taken to hospital after one of the horse panicked, throwing the policeman to the ground, according to reports.
Fights also reportedly broke out among Brazilian and German fans watching the game in the Savassi nightclub region of Belo Horizonte, where the semifinal showdown was taking place.
Brazil's high tempo only served to make them vulnerable on the break and Germany made them pay again, this time Klose becoming a World Cup's record-breaker with 16 goals.
Another sweet passing move saw Muller lay the ball off and although Cesar stopped his first effort, Klose buried the rebound.
This was another blow to the host nation, as the previous record holder was Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who scored 15 in three tournaments.
Brazil's head coach Felipe Scolari said he had experienced the worst day of his life in the wake of the result.
He said: 'I'll be remembered probably because I lost 7-1, the worst defeat Brazil have ever had, but that was a risk I knew I was running when I accepted this position. Life goes on. That's what I'll do.'
However, he rejected the suggestion that Neymar's serious injury, and the emotion created by his absence, had played a key part in the defeat.
'No, no, no. Let's not try to find an excuse in Neymar or the emotions of the anthem,' he said.
'Germany probably could have done that with Neymar in the side, also. He wouldn't have known how to defend those moves for the second, third, fourth and fifth goals.'
In Sao Paulo, Brazil's biggest city, thousands gathered in the Bohemian neighborhood of Vila Madalena, the streets carpeted with yellow, green and blue - the colours of the Brazilian flag.
Fan Samir Kelvin clung to a street pole and cried: 'I have nothing left! I am Brazilian and humiliate.'
Nearby, a woman cried out 'What shame, what shame!' as a man nearby was banging his head against a bar table.
After Germany scored an early goal, samba groups simply stopped drumming in shock. More goals followed and silence overtook bars as fans stared blankly at TV screens.
Thomas Muller scored early to give Germans the lead after being left completely unmarked from a corner.
Then a goal from Miroslav Klose, two from Toni Kroos and another from Sami Khedira followed to increase their lead.
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