Brazil fans near Germany's World Cup base on the Atlantic coast turned against Joachim Loew's squad as they departed yesterday on the eve of their semi-final against the host nation.

Crowds of local residents from the town of Santa Cruz Cabralia, who had been cheering and applauding Germany's players in recent weeks as they left for matches and returned home, showed their allegiance by chanting "Brazil, Brazil, Brazil".

For the last three weeks the crowds have been there to welcome Germany back late at night, and in pouring rain at times, cheering the three-time World Cup winners even though the players barely acknowledged their presence.