IOC Chief in Shock After Germany's Humiliation of Brazil

(ATR) IOC president Thomas Bach was in celebratory mood after Germany’s 7-1 trouncing of Brazil but he will have to temper his euphoria when he heads to Rio today.

Bach expressed shock at his country’s devastating humiliation of Brazil in the World Cup semi-final. Sat alongside Brazilian Olympic chief Carlos Nuzman, he watched the game at the Palace Hotel in Lausanne with IOC executive board members and media last night.

"As an athlete I know you have these days when you and your team can do whatever you want it is just not working and the other team is just the contrary," he told reporters after the match.

"It is not only a shock for the Brazilians, it is for everybody," Bach said, modestly suggesting that such a result was only possible due to the absence of Brazil’s star player Neymar through injury and Germany "playing an excellent match".

The 56-year-old was seen leaping to his feet after Germany scored their second goal on 23 minutes. Striker Miroslav Klose scored his 16th World Cup goal, passing Ronaldo’s 15-goal mark to become the all-time record scorer in the World Cup.

But in the company of a Brazilian Bach’s reaction was muted when Germany stunned Brazil by firing in goals in the 24th, 26th and 29th minute. A brace from Toni Kroos and another from Sami Khedira made it 5-0.

Nuzman, who heads Rio 2016’s organizing committee, wore a look of disbelief as the goal rush left Brazil heartbroken. He was soon on the phone to people back in Brazil. The humiliation was complete with two second-half strikes from Andre Schurrle before Oscar replied with a 90th minute goal.

Despite the embarrassing scoreline, Nuzman was able to share a joke with Bach.

Nuzman travelled to Lausanne on Tuesday and will update the IOC executive board on Rio 2016’s progress this morning.

The pair head to Rio later today. Bach is holding meetings with Rio 2016 officials in the coming days before attending the World Cup final on Sunday. He has attended every World Cup final since 1986.

"Every match starts with 0-0," he said, when asked by Around the Rings if Germany can go on to win the final at Rio’s Maracana on Sunday. They will face either Argentina or the Netherlands, who play tonight in the other semi-final.

Bach’s reluctance to predict the result of the Brazil v Germany match before the game and now the final is no doubt related to his trip to Brazil. He does not want to offend the Olympic hosts by making any brash remarks.

"The German team was the betterteam tonight. But again a final starts from 0-0. The team can be confident but not complacent," he said.

"There are these kind of black days. It is a pity but things like this happen. But Germany was the better team and deserved the win."

Asked by ATR which team he would prefer Germany to face in Sunday's final, Bach joked: "Every final starts at 0-0."

Bach said the mostly glitch-free staging of the World Cup can only help Rio’s preparations for the Olympics, which have been plagued by delays. And he praised Brazilian fans for their support through the tournament and in particular when their team was down and out against Germany.

"The world has seen the organisational skills of Brazil at this World Cup. Many were surprised. You see how well this was organized and how well this ran," he said.

"All the world can see what a sports-loving nation Brazil is. Both together is a very good message for the world and the Olympic Games."

Written by Mark Bisson in Lausanne

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