Brazil v Germany 2100BST

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Brazil captain Thiago Silva is banned, so Dante will deputise, but they have Luis Gustavo back from suspension.
With Neymar injured, Brazil could field a central midfield three, or else pick an attack-minded replacement such as Willian or Bernard.
Germany coach Joachim Low must decide whether to recall centre-back Per Mertesacker, who was left out against France for tactical reasons.
Low has reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match.


Head-to-head

• Brazil and Germany have played more World Cup matches than any other side (102 and 104 respectively), but have only met once before at the tournament. That was the 2002 final, won 2-0 by the Brazilians.
• Honours are even in the three subsequent meetings. The sides drew 1-1 in a friendly in 2004, Brazil won 3-2 in a Confederations Cup semi-final in 2005 and Germany recorded a 3-2 victory in a friendly in 2011. All those matches were on German soil.
• Brazil have scored in each of their last 10 meetings with Germany, averaging 2.2 goals per game

Brazil

• Brazil committed more fouls (31) against Colombia than they have in any other World Cup match since such data has been recorded (starting in 1966).
• Their only defeat in the last 26 games came against Switzerland last August (W19, D6, L1).
• They are unbeaten in 42 successive home matches, with their last defeat coming against Paraguay in August 2002.
• The Brazilians have reached the last four of the World Cup for the 11th time, although this will only be their eighth semi-final (because of different formats at earlier tournaments).
• The only semi-final they have lost was their first, against Italy in 1938. They have won five times and drawn once - with that draw followed by a penalty shootout win against the Dutch in 1998.
• Injured Brazilian striker Neymar has played a part in 50% of Brazil's 10 goals at this World Cup (four goals, one assist).

Germany

• Germany (including West Germany) have reached the last four for the 13th time at a World Cup, although this will be their 12th semi-final (they reached the 1974 final after coming through a second group stage).
• The Germans are the first country to reach four successive World Cup semi-finals.
• Their record in their 11 previous semi-finals is four wins, five defeats and two draws - both of which were followed by penalty shootouts which they won.
• Germany are unbeaten in their last 16 internationals (W11, D5), the best run of any side still involved at the World Cup.
• Germany (three) have kept more clean sheets at this World Cup than any other country. Only Ghana and Algeria have managed to breach the Germans defence so far.
• Miroslav Klose could make his 23rd appearance in a World Cup match, a total bettered only by Lothar Matthaus (25). Paolo Maldini also played 23 games at the tournament.

 

Brazil/Argentina final please. I'd like to see Brazil lose the final to them in the Maracana

 

Think Brazil could struggle without Silva. Germany to shade it for me.

 

It would be the ultimate finish to this tournament, with Messi playing a world class game and getting on the scoresheet. I didn't get to see 1986. I need this.

 

Go Germany. Can't stand Brazil and have bet on Germany to win tournament.

 

Brazil's greatest achievement is making us support Germany. How annoying and disappointing do you have to be to do that?

 

Germany finally reverted to its best formation and tactics during the QF's and with Brazil missing its 2 leaders i think/hope that they'll win this. Probably won't be a great game, germany will look to slow down playin general and brazil will foul every chance they get to stop dangerous situations but i think Germany will manage and take a solid lead before Brazil get a consolation late on Ger 2 - 1 Bra.

 

This!

Not really sure why at times. Just an emotional reaction I guess sparked by the silly referee decisions they got in the group games. So with that in mind, Germany to win 2-1 unless touching Fred's behind becomes a capital offence.

 

I really don't like the way Brazil have played, foul, foul, dive, give ball to Neymar to do some skill. But I'd love Brazil v Argentina in the final, only for Argentina to win and Messi to score the winner and establish himself as the best (in my eyes).

 

I think the World Cup has been bettered by the lesser nations and a lot of fancied teams have underperformed or underwhelmed. I am still waiting to be impressed by Brazil and now that they've lost Neymar and Silva, I think Germany will be too strong for them. I couldn't call the other semi but I want a European team to win it, I definitely don't want to see Messi lifting a World Cup.

 

Hate the way Brazil play.

 

They'll have to switch it up tonight. No Neymar, and Fred and Hulk have been bollocks. It's time for Bernard.

I'd suggest something a bit "out there" and play Fernandinho up front with Bernard in Neymar's position.

 

Bernard is class in FIFA for Shakhtar. That's enough for me.

 

He must be one of the smallest players on FIFA too!

 

Right up there with the fastest as well. Shakhtar's team is mad fast.

 

He is also the most light weight. So if you bump into him he floats off into space.

 

Before all the player boosts dropped down again, Shakhtar had 4 players on or over 90 pace. Sweaty goals galore. I played that ridiculous formation with 3 at the back, one holding midfielder then everybody else in an attacking position. Taison, Bernard, Wellington Nem, Douglas Costa and Fred, with Fernando as CDM, if you work all them into the team they're a steal at 4 stars.

 

Germany all the way unless of course they put another dodgy ref like the Spanish ref on Friday?

 

Yep. Whilst I can acknowledge him for his extraordinary skill, he'll never be one of the greatest for me because he was as you say, a cheat.