You can tell Germany stopped trying after 7 goals against Brazil, but it was not out of respect, they simply wanted to save some energy for the finals as theres only like 3 days inbetween those matches. I know Brazil technically weren't down any men but they obvioisly had some terrible mentality issues.
Yeah, I interpreted that as well as a breakdown. They went down early of one goal, and when the second goal happened, the idea that they might as well not reach the finals crushed them and in that moment anyone could have scored three other goals, even Costa Rica.
And yet, it was the first half of a semi-final. Germany had to annihilate them, to take advantage of the moment to make sure there would not have been a dramatic come back after having rested in the interval and with an entire nation cheering for them. I may be biased but I find that a bit different than scoring not one but two late goals in a final already won, while the other team is in 10.
Uh well, it's not that I spent 4 years bloodthirsty for revenge, but since it's again Italy vs Spain at a Euro Cup, I thought I might as well remember that incident to be even happier in case somehow Italy gets out of this match as winner.