Last updated on .From the section 2014 Fifa World Cup

Klose's record 16 World Cup goals

Germany striker Miroslav Klose became the record scorer in World Cup history by netting his 16th finals goal in the 7-1 semi-final victory over Brazil.

The 36-year-old Lazio striker put his country 2-0 ahead as they opened up a 5-0 half-time lead in Belo Horizonte.

Klose moved level with former Brazil striker Ronaldo by scoring against Ghana earlier in the competition.

Germany's leading goalscorer with 71 goals in 136 games, he is the third player to net at four World Cups.

Brazil legend Pele and West Germany's Uwe Seeler both scored at the 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970 finals.

Klose's goal against Brazil came in his 23rd World Cup appearance, a tally only compatriot Lothar Matthaus has bettered.

Germany have never lost a game in which he has scored.

"Klose is not a Ronaldo, or a Pele or that kind of footballer," said Match of the Day presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker. "He is a poacher but to break that record is a phenomenal achievement."

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, working as a pundit in Brazil, added: "He does not excite you outside the box but he is a pure goalscorer.

"When the ball comes into the box, he comes alive."

Miroslav Klose 16 goals in 23 World Cup games - a World Cup record. Third player to net at four World Cups, after Pele and Uwe Seeler. Germany have never lost in a game in which he has scored any of his 71 goals. He had never before netted in a World Cup semi-final or final.

Top five World Cup goalscorers Position Name Country Goals Matches Played Goal Average Tournaments 1 Miroslav Klose Germany 16 23 0.70 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 2 Ronaldo Brazil 15 19 0.79 1998, 2002, 2006 3 Gerd Muller West Germany 14 13 1.08 1970, 1974 4 Just Fontaine France 13 6 2.17 1958 5 Pele Brazil 12 14 0.86 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970

For the best of BBC Sport's in-depth content and analysis, go to our features and video page.