The semifinals are here and both matchups should be packed to the brim with excitement and drama. Today gets the round started as a depleted Brazil takes in the highly talented Germans.
The primary storyline in this one will be whether or not Brazil can overcome the loss of their superstar Neymar and their captain Thiago Silva. The wonderkid will miss the remainder on the World Cup with a broken vertebrae, and the Brazilian attack must prove they they can get the job done without such a menacing force in attack. Stepping in to take his place could be any number of skilled players, but none with the talent that Neymar brings to the table. Whether it is Hulk, Oscar, or Willian asked to step into the number ten role, they will have large shoes to fill.
They will also have a tough defensive shell to break. The German defense has only conceded three goals in the entire tournament and none in regular time since Asamoah Gyan scored for Ghana in the 61st minute of match number two. Many talented attacks have failed to score on their stout back line, including Portugal and France. Brazil will certainly face difficulty putting a number on the scoreboard without their top scorer.
The Germans should control much of the possession with Brazil's main defender sidelined by a yellow card suspension. Thiago Silva's second yellow card of the tournament came in the quarterfinal against Colombia. That match saw 31 fouls called against the hosts, who were criticized for their rough tactics. Their aggressive fouling possibly led to the injury of Neymar, as well. Juan Zuniga likely took the star down as revenge for all the fouls committed against Colombian star James Rodriguez.
The physically adapted Germans, as well as Mexican referee Marco Antonio Rodriguez, will not allow Brazil to play with such menace. The Germans are more used to a physical style of play then the Colombia were and Rodriguez is known for not putting up with physical play. The Liga MX veteran official is not shy to blow the whistle, or issue cards, in order to keep a match from getting out of hand.
Brazil will have to return to their roots of finesse play in order to come out ahead. This will be difficult to do, however, as Germany are known for hanging onto the ball. They average 60.1% of preseason on their five games so far and facing a weathered Brazilian back line should only serve to increase that number. While Germany can play their normal game, Brazil will have to focus on quick and well organized counter attacks to catch the Germans off guard.
I am predicting a 1-0 German victory because of the weakened Brazilian side. It will be a hard fought game that possibly requires extra time. I expect the Germans to find the lone goal in this one, keeping up the trend of low scoring, conservatively played knockout round games.
Tomorrow's semifinal is due to be another mouth watering affair as the Netherlands faces Argentina. First, we are meant to enjoy today and I'll have more on that one tomorrow.
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