By Lance Jenkinson
The first of the 2014 FIFA World Cup semi finals will be a mouth-watering contest between host nation Brazil and European powerhouse Germany.
The Brazilians had to overcome a stern test from South American rivals Colombia in the quarter finals to reach the final four.
But they had the home fans in raptures after winning 2-1 on the back of an opportunistic goal to Thiago Silva and a wonderful long-range free kick from David Luiz.
Germany was more workmanlike in its 1-0 win over France, safely defending an early headed goal by towering defender Mats Hummels.
Their biggest challenge might have been getting their first-choice team on the park after illness reportedly swept through the camp in the days leading up to the quarter final.
The results set up what promises to be a semi final for the ages.
But Brazil will be without star striker Neymar, who has scored four of his nation’s 10 goals in the tournament so far.
The 22-year-old will miss the rest of the competition after fracturing a vertebrae when kneed in the back against Colombia.
Brazil has always been one of the World Cup‘s great entertainers. And although the 2014 version, coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari, doesn’t quite play the same free-flowing, attacking football of previous teams it will still be worth watching as long as Neymar’s absence doesn’t put a spanner in the works.
Germany ran riot in its first group game, beating Portugal 4-0 but since then has got the job done with more methodical approach.
You just get the feeling Joachim Low’s team still has an extra gear.
