Manuel Neuer has revealed Germany were a bag of nerves ahead of their 7-1 World Cup semi-final demolition of Brazil.
Joachim Low's side inflicted the most incredible of defeats over the host nation on Tuesday night, as goals from Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos (2), Miroslav Klose, Sami Khedira and Andre Schurrle (2) secured victory.
The win means Germany will face Argentina in the final after the South American nation beat Netherlands on penalties on Wednesday.
Die Mannschaft will go into the game as favourites after their thrashing of the Selecao, but Neuer has admitted he and his team-mates felt the full weight of the occasion prior to the semi-final.
"Before the match, it was like what it's been for most of the matches, a bit tense, a little nervous," he said in an interview with Times of India.
"You can plan, but what happens on a football field cannot be predicted. It was more tense since we were playing in the semi-final, and against the hosts who have such a rich football history.
"We all were eager to be on the field and try to do what we have been doing so far."
The game was over as a contest by half-time, with Germany leading 5-0, and at that point Neuer says an air of calm swept over the dressing room.
"There was a sense of satisfaction," the Bayern Munich keeper admitted.
"We all knew we had done what we wanted to do. But there were 45 more minutes and we needed to be alert. We expected them to come back - it was a shame I conceded a goal but I could do nothing about it."
- Flashback: Gov't paid 'bribes' to qualify Ghana for Brazil World Cup - Report
- I was in disbelief when I was named in 2006 World Cup squad - Habib Mohammed
- 2014 World Cup Commission of Inquiry wasn’t fair to me – Asamoah Gyan
- Afriyie Acquah to replace injured Sackey in Black Stars
- Boldness should characterize Kwesi Appiah's return - Arhinful
- Read all related articles