Brazil face the toughest test of their pursuit of World Cup glory as the hosts face a strong German line up without their captain Silva and talisman Neymar.
HURT: Brazil are a diminished force without Neymar.
Though Brazil defeated Columbia more easily than expected but their victory was not the one to celebrate.Rather the whole country and almost all of footballing world was aghast and sad over Neymar’s serious injury.Another incident with far reaching consequences was the yellow card to Brazilian captain Thiago Silva which meant that he’ll miss the semifinal.With this double blow,Brazil go in the semifinals as second favourite despite roaring home support.
Germany on the other hand no major fitness issues with their squad.The team is slowly getting to its potential with a good showing against France.Coach Low’s decision to shift Philipp Lahm to defence did wonders for Germans as the defence looked way more secure than the one against Algeria.Between the post they have Manuel Neuer who is arguably the best goalkeeper in last 2 years. Surprisingly though is the fact that these two teams who share 8 World Cup between them, have just met once before in a World Cup finals.That match was the 2002 World Cup’s final where a Ronaldo led Solecao defeated the Germans 2-0.
However the Scholari doesn’t have the same luxury of a Ronaldo like star player now with Neymar injured.His injury will potentially affect the formation and strategy of the team with rumours of Brazil going without a striker going around.The bench also doesn’t offer much hope for Brazil.However Scolari could still use the same formation of 4-2-3-1 by playing Oscar more centrally and putting Willian on wings.
Winner: Manuel Neuer has been in fine form.
Germany will like to keep the momentum going and won’t tamper too much with the side.Bringing Lahm back to defence was a good decision and Low would stick to it.The German once again will look to hold the ball and attack through wings with Muller cutting in from right.The German would be looking to find ways in the inexperienced Silva-less Brazilian defence. Notwithstanding the absence of their star players,Brazil will still come hard at the Germans.An interesting encounter is expected to be on the cards.Surely this is not a match to miss.
Prediction
Brazil 0 Germany 2
Brazil 0 Germany 2
Catch the match live on SONY SIX at 1:30am on 9 July.
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