World Cup: Brazil vs. Germany

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Brazil 2014

World Cup: Brazil vs. Germany

As Brazil 2014 heads towards its climax, CNN brings you live coverage of the first semifinal from Belo Horizonte.

3rd & 7 37yd

Brazil's worst nightmare has become its reality.

Neymar, the young man carrying a nation's hopes on his shoulders, will watch from the sidelines as his teammates try to win the World Cup its nation demands.

When the 21-year-old hit the deck following a challenge from Colombia's Juan Zuniga in Friday's quarterfinal victory, the country held its breath.

After it was announced the talismanic No. 10 had fractured a vertabrae, Brazilian hopes looked dashed.

Without Neymar, and deprived of the services of its captain Thiago Silva after he picked up a booking in that last eight win, would Brazil be able to overcome a strong Germany team in the semifinals?

Tonight, we find out.

I'm Tom McGowan, myself and Chris Murphy will be your guides through the first semifinal of the 2014 World Cup.

Belo Horizonte translates as "beautiful horizon." Will this city be where the sun sets on Brazil's hopes? Over to you, Chris...

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:01:19 PM
The moment Neymar's World Cup came to an end. (Getty Images)
by tom.mcgowan

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:08:02 PM
Germany certainly hopes so, Tom, and while there is a ton of pressure on Brazil and Scolari to deliver the World Cup to a fervent home support, there is an equal amount on the broad shoulders of Joachim Low.

After eight years in the job and no major silverware bagged, it is time for him and Der Mannschaft to finally deliver a first major trophy since 1996. Maybe that's why Mr Low is cranking up a bit of pressure on the opposition.

Not that this clash needed an extra layer of spice dusting on top, but while expressing his sympathy for Neymar's absence, he also labeled Brazil's quarterfinal clash with Colombia "brutal" and has called on tonight's referee to ensure this one doesn't go the same way. Good luck Mr Marco Rodríguez from Mexico.

Germany has attracted a fair amount of criticism back home for the way it has played in some matches -- the extra time win over Algeria in the last 16 one that immediately springs to mind -- but I'll wager the viewing public won't mind how its team plays tonight, as long as gets the job done.

by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 7:13:23 PM
TEAM NEWS - Brazil v Germany
FIFAWorldCup
@FIFAWorldCup
#BRA LINE-UP: Julio Cesar, David Luiz (c), Fernandinho, Marcelo, Hulk, Fred, Oscar, Dante, Luiz Gustavo, Bernard, Maicon #BRAGER #WorldCup
Jul. 8, 2014
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DFB-Team
@DFB_Team
WM-Halbfinale!Unsere Aufstellung #BRAGER:Neuer-Lahm(C),Boateng,Hummels, Höwedes-Schweinsteiger,Khedira-Müller,Kroos,Özil-Klose #aneurerseite
Jul. 8, 2014
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by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 7:17:09 PM
John Sinnott
@JohnSinnott
Apart from Neymar, #BRA have been my biggest #WorldCup disappointment. Ends justify means philsophy & midfield to numb the soul #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 8, 2014
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by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 7:20:27 PM
Strong stuff from CNN's own John Sinnott. Do you agree?

As always we want to here from you, let us know by posting a comment or by tweeting the hashtag #CNNWorldCup.

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:24:56 PM
Neymar might not be taking to the field, but his face will be all over the Estadio Mineirao.
Isa Soares
@IsaCNN
One of #Brazil 's newspaper is offering a free @neymarjr mask. Today, every Brazilian will be him! #CNNWorldCup http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsBrbGqCEAAyU8D.jpg
Jul. 8, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:28:35 PM
The big team news ahead of kick off is that Bernard, the tiny schemer who is just 5 ft 5 ins tall, has the task of filling Neymar's shoes.

It's not just Bernard who has a big job on his hands. With just under 30 MINUTES until the match gets under way, we've picked out our key men from either team ahead of this mouthwatering encounter.

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:33:19 PM
by tom.mcgowan

BRAZIL KEY MAN: Oscar

In the absence of Neymar, the creative burden will rest heavily on the 22-year-old.

Despite scoring in Brazil's opening game, the playmaker has struggled to make an in his country's run to the semifinals. A big performance is needed if "A Selecao" is to book its place in Rio.

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:34:56 PM
by Chris Murphy
GERMANY KEY MAN: Muller

He may not have all the tricks and flicks Neymar does, but Thomas Muller knows one vital thing when it comes to football on the international stage - sticking the ball in the back of the net.

When he's not pretending to fall over in elaborate free-kick routines, the Bayern Munich star is generally scoring. He has nine goals in his previous 12 World Cup matches. Brazil beware.

by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 7:37:56 PM
by tom.mcgowan

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:40:55 PM
STAT PACK:
- These two have played 21 times, Brazil winning 12, losing 4 and drawing 5
- Low and Scolari have the best win % of any WC managers with 10+ games
- Brazil's last competitive defeat came in Belo Horizonte, to Peru in 1975
- Lahm is the World Cup's best passer with 408 completed at an 86.6% success rate
- Tonight's teams are the joint third highest tournament scorers with 10 each
by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 7:45:04 PM
How to spot a #german #football #fan #cnnworldcup #wc2014 #worldcup2014 #weltmeisterschaft #lederhose
by christianstreibcnn via Instagram

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:48:00 PM
The teams are moments away from entering a frenzied Mineirao Stadium.

Who are you backing? Let us know by posting a comment or using the hashtag #CNNWorldCup.

by Chris Murphy edited by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:52:15 PM
Amanda Davies
@AmandaJDavies
Ridiculous noise as teams get read out....Huge cheers for #bernard. They love him here at the #Mineirao #CNNWorldCup http://t.co/yQ5GUWlyPc
Jul. 8, 2014
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by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 7:52:53 PM
I've a fair idea who is going to win the 'anthem off' and it won't be Germany, who go first.

Prepare yourself for one of the loudest, most passionate renditions of Brazil's anthem in the country's history. There may well be tears.

by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 7:54:52 PM
Wow. That was impressive, especially the a cappella second verse.

David Luiz and Julio Cesar clutch a shirt with Neymar Jr on the back in tribute to their injured comrade and even the mascots bash out the anthem with gusto.

An expectant nation has done their part. Now it's up to the players.

by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 7:57:40 PM
A fisheye view of The Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte courtesy of AFP's Francois Xavier Marit
by Chris Murphy

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 7:58:44 PM
by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 8:00:43 PM
BRAZIL 0-0 GERMANY (4 MINS)

A bright start from the hosts inside the cauldron-like Mineirao. Marcelo with the first shot of the match, a drive which drifts wide of Manuel Neuer's goal. Hulk almost plays in Bernard moments later, but Neuer reacts well to gather.

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 8:04:10 PM
There are no half measures when it comes to singing the national anthem.
(Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
by Chris Murphy

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 8:06:44 PM
BRAZIL 0-0 GERMANY (8 MINS)

Germany showing its attacking prowess for the first time, Sami Khedira sees his goal-bound shot inadvertently blocked by teammate Toni Kroos.

The contest has started at a frantic pace, neither team able to keep hold of the ball.

by tom.mcgowan edited by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 8:08:46 PM
BRAZIL 0-1 GERMANY! Thomas Muller (11 mins) A nightmare start for Brazil! Muller is left completely unmarked as Kroos' corner drifts into the six-yard box, the forward able to compose himself before firing a side-foot volley beyond goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

by tom.mcgowan edited by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 8:10:43 PM
Isa Soares
@IsaCNN
Silence here at fan fest in Rio as Muller scores for Germany...only 11 mins into game. #CNNWorldCup
Jul. 8, 2014
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by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 8:13:36 PM
BRAZIL 0-1 GERMANY (15 MINS)

What has Brazil got in response? Hulk tries to provide an instant equalizer, but his cut back fails to find the onrushing Bernard.

In Neymar's absence, does Brazil have enough?

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 8:15:47 PM
OptaJoe
@OptaJoe
13 - Thomas Müller is the 13th player to reach double figures for #WorldCup goals and the 5th German to do it. Bakers.
Jul. 8, 2014
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by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 8:16:02 PM
BRAZIL 0-1 GERMANY (19 MINS)

Brazilian penalty appeals waved away by our Mexican referee. Marcelo burst into the area, but Philipp Lahm executes a perfect sliding tackle. No spot kick given and rightly so.

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 8:19:42 PM
Thomas Muller volleys home for Germany. (Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty)
by Chris Murphy

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 8:20:32 PM
BRAZIL 0-2 GERMANY! Miroslav Klose (23 mins) It goes from bad to worse for Brazil! Miroslav Klose converts from close range after Cesar had saved his initial shot and becomes the World Cup's all time leading goalscorer!

by tom.mcgowan edited by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 8:22:31 PM
BRAZIL 0-3 GERMANY! Toni Kroos (25 mins) Brazil is shellshocked! Kroos fires home brilliantly from the edge of the area after a brilliant move and eventual cross from Philipp Lahm. Belo Horizonte is silenced.

by tom.mcgowan edited by Chris Murphy 7/8/2014 8:24:23 PM
BRAZIL 0-4 GERMANY! Toni Kroos (26 mins) I'm lost for words! Brazil has fallen apart in spectacular fashion. Fernandinho caught in possession straight from kick off, Kroos plays in Khedira before accepting the return pass and finding the back of the net. Two for him FOUR for Germany.

by tom.mcgowan 7/8/2014 8:25:29 PM