Nation struggles with big WCup loss to Germany

SAO PAULO (AP):

It wasn't just a bad dream. Brazilians woke up yesterday to dreadful headlines describing the shame and humiliation of their soccer team's historic defeat of 7-1 to Germany in the World Cup's semi-final.

There were also reports of violence breaking out right after the game, with many buses being torched in the country's biggest city. At least one store selling electronics and household appliances was sacked, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

The country's leading football publication stated simply: 'A day to forget'.

"It was the most shameful performance of all times," said Almir Rogelio, 32, who was waiting at a newspaper stand for a friend. "I honestly woke up and didn't even want to remember what happened."

During Tuesday's match, Germany scored faster than partying fans could keep count. Later, tears smudged the faces of children painted in Brazil's colours of canary yellow and green. Brazil coach Felipe Scolari buried his face in his hands.

Dreams of a sixth championship were shattered in the first half hour of the game when Germany was already leading by a numbing 5-0. Many fans in the Belo Horizonte stadium left by half-time when it became clear Brazil was being routed at home. Some tore up their tickets and gave the thumbs down to TV cameras.

A TRAGEDY

"It was a tragedy. Sad, very sad, the greatest defeat of all the history of the Brazilian national team," wrote Tostao, one of Brazil's forwards in the 1970 World Cup and now a sports columnist for the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper.

In Sao Paulo, thousands gathered to watch the match in the neighbourhood of Vila Madalena. Samir Kelvin clung to a street pole and loudly cried: "I have nothing left! I am Brazilian and humiliated. I want to kill myself!" as another man nearby banged his head against a bar table.

Most heartbreaking for many Brazilians was suffering the country's worst World Cup defeat on home turf, as it hosted the tournament for the first time in 64 years.

"It was embarrassing. They have some nerve with the Brazilian people. We deserved so much better," said Manuel Alves, 58. "The worst was all the money spent, having so many other problems that need to be fixed."

Brazil spent billions of dollars preparing for the tournament, and the high cost has ignited angry protests against the World Cup over the past year. Demonstrators have complained about so much being spent while the nation suffers from woeful public services.