Retired German midfielder Toni Kroos appeared on Brazilian legend Romário’s show and looked back on the classic 2014 World Cup match where Germany beat Brazil 7-1.
Romário: Toni, the 2014 World Cup, Germany 7-1 Brazil. What comes to mind when you mention this game?
Kroos: I only have good memories of 2014—not just because of that game and the World Cup, of course winning the championship in the end was great, but also because during the six or seven weeks we were there, we got to know the people there and had a wonderful time. The Brazilian people welcomed us very much.
We all know that game was a tough day for Brazil, but the Brazilian people’s reaction didn’t surprise me at all—they responded very positively after the game. We won 7-1, and we knew it was hard for the Brazilians, that they would be angry and sad. When we went back to the team hotel, we thought, let’s see how the Brazilian staff there will treat us. As a result, when we arrived, they all applauded us. Then they said to us: “You just need to beat Argentina in the final, please, because we don’t have a good relationship with them.” So I only have good memories of those six or seven weeks in Brazil.
In fact, I’m lucky to have played in many important games, but this one is undoubtedly among the top five, especially because there were moments in the game that even we thought were unrealistic and hard to believe—both us and the Brazilian players. And I know some of their players, like Dante. Of course, I felt sorry for them afterwards, but I think in the 30th to 35th minute, when we were leading 5-0, even we and they couldn’t believe what was happening.
