The World Cup semi-finals are already with the best of nations pitted against each other. The first semi-final is between the continental giants of Europe and South America, i.e, Germany and Europe. This is going to be a clash of the titans as both the teams have shown what they are made of. They dominated their opposition in all of their games. But the Brazil line-up that will face the 1990 World Cup winners is a cause for concern as they will be missing the invaluable presence of Captain Thiago Silva in the back line and the heart-throb Neymar in the midfield due to a suspension and a fractured vertebra respectively. Meanwhile, the situation on Joachim Loew's end doesn’t seem so dire.
Players to look out for:
With the absence of Neymar, midfielder Hulk and Oscar are pushed to the fore and the whole of the Brazilian population will be expecting the duo to prove their worth as they have only shown a glimpse of the damage they can cause. Thiago Silva’s suspension means the eccentric David Luiz would don the captain’s armband and will be a key man in the backline. For the German side Thomas Mueller will again hold key in attack, he will be supported by the likes of Ozil and Goetze in the left and right flank respectively. Mats Hummels, who scored the winning goal against France, will play a major role in his country’s prospects against the formidable home side.
Teams head-to-head:
The two teams have faced each other 21 times with the 12 wins for the Selecao while the Bavarians have picked up just 4 victories.
Probable line-ups:
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Cesar; Maicon, Luiz, Dante, Marcelo; Gustavo, Fernandinho; Willian, Oscar, Hulk; Fred.
Germany (4-3-3): Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, Höwedes; Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Özil, Müller, Götze.
Prediction: Though the odds are stacked against Brazil due to the absence of a few key players, the home side is not going to make it easy for their opponent as they will have the support of the home fans throughout the game who will act as the 12th man. Expect the match to be dragged on to penalties with Germany triumphing at the end.
Final Score Prediction: Brazil 1 – 1 Germany.
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