PHOTOS: Germany pump seven past hosts Brazil, make eighth final

Germany pumped five goals within 18 first half minutes to thrash shell-shocked hosts Brazil 7-1 in a truly astonishing one-sided World Cup semi-final in Belo Horizonte.

The three-time champions were 5-0 ahead, and the match over, well before the half hour mark. They added two more after resumption. It was only Germany's fifth ever win over Brazil in 22 matches (12 losses), and their first in a World Cup. Die Mannschaft had lost the 2002 final to the Selecao.

For Germany, the final in Rio will be their eight World Cup final. They have been champions in 1954, 1974 and 1990. 

It was Brazil's first defeat on home soil in 42 matches and since 1975, when Peru beat them in the Copa America. Moreover, it was Brazil's worst defeat ever - their previous worse was a 0-6 reverse to neighbors Uruguay in 1920.

Thomas Mueller put the Germans ahead after 11 minutes with a simple volley from a corner.

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No team has played in more World Cup finals than Germany. 

The Germans have also qualified for the semi-finals on a record 13 occasions, this being a record fourth on the trot. 

And on Tuesday they again proved why they are always strong contenders in big tournaments. 

It was the German's second straight win over Brazil. In their last meeting in August 2011, goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger, Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze had ensured a 3-2 win. 

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The Germans doubled the lead after in the 23rd when striker Miroslav Klose struck to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 16 goals.

Klose had moved level with former Brazil striker Ronaldo on 15 when he scored in Germany's 2-2 draw against Ghana in the group stage.

His close range strike in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday put Germany 2-0 up in the last four clash and was his first goal in a World Cup semi-final.

Klose, 36, netted his first World Cup goal against Saudi Arabia in 2002. He has played in four World Cups and has now scored 71 goals in 136 appearances for Germany.

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Toni Kroos grabbed the third a minute later and the midfielder scored again in the 26th proving why Real Madrid's decision to invest in him - the deal will be announced after the finals - is a wise one. 

Bayern Munich's loss is the Madrid's side gain for sure. 

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Sami Khedira added a fifth and Andre Schurrle got a brace in the second half as the shambolic Brazil defense caved in for once.

Oscar scored a late consolation. But that did little to spruce up the somber mood in Belo Horizonte.

As Brazil fans sobbed in the stands and millions of people around the world stared at their televisions in utter disbelief, the hosts kept the Germans out for the rest of the half but their dreams of a sixth World Cup title are surely over.

It was a humiliations that the emotional Brazilians will remember for eternity. 

It was a win the Germans will savor for years to come.