DOWNTOWN — Even Herbert Quelle, the German Consul General in Chicago, felt "pity" for Brazil after Germany destroyed the host nation 7-1 in a World Cup semifinal on Tuesday.
The Germans scored at will in the first half on their way to sending to the Brazilians to arguably the worst loss in the country's history — and its first at home in a competitive match since 1975.
Justin Breen says it was a tough game to watch, even for some German leaders:
"The Brazilian team obviously stood beside itself after extremely effective play of Germany," Quelle said. "It was painful to watch and I felt pity for my Brazilian friends."
Quelle, whose Downtown consulate provides "information on Germany ... and German-related news and events in Chicago and the Midwest," said his country's first goal by Thomas Müller gave the team "an incredible boost."
Quelle watched Tuesday's blowout at the Goethe-Institut Chicago. The Germans will face the winner of Wednesday's Argentina-Netherlands semifinal in Sunday's championship game at 2 p.m.
Germany is seeking its fourth title, which would tie Italy for the second-most championships, trailing only Brazil's five crowns.
"Soccer means to Germans as much as baseball and football mean to Americans," Quelle said.
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