World Cup 2014 TV Schedule: Who to watch Tuesday, July 8
Today’s semifinal match pits local favorite Brazil against Germany.
Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger, left, and Mats Hummels, right, attend a team training session at Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte on July 7, 2014.
Eddie Keogh/Reuters
With eight World Cup titles between the two teams, today’s match-up has Brazil and Germany meeting for only the second time in Cup history after the 2002 final when Brazil won 2-0.
Brazil takes on Germany at 4:00 p.m. EST at Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte southeastern Brazil.
Brazil will need to play its best soccer with key players missing during today’s match. Star forward Neymar is out due to a fractured vertebra sustained in the team’s win over Colombia and defender and captain Thiago Silva is out with a suspension following two yellow cards. Brazil has also committed the most fouls of any team in the tournament thus far.
Famous Brazilian player and later coach Zico told the BBC, “The players have a chance to draw energy from Neymar’s sacrifice. They need to leave their souls on the pitch as a tribute for this kid.”
Brazil’s player to watch today is defender Dante Santos who plays for Bayern Munich. Dante’s familiarity with German playing style could give the Brazilians an advantage.
Despite the circumstances, including bringing in a psychologist for players, Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari thinks his team has a good shot at the final. “We respect [the Germans] but we are going to try to make them respect us.”
Overall, Germany has the edge in this line-up and is hoping not to repeat its 2004 semifinal exit. Coach Joachim Low told the Washington Post that he doesn’t see Brazil as an underdog in this line-up.
“You shouldn’t believe the absence of Neymar and Thiago Silva would be a disadvantage for Brazil. Other players will feel liberated. You see when a very strong player is missing and the other players will have to accept more responsibility. I am certain all of the others will be fighting for Neymar, fighting for the nation.”
With 15 goals so far, tied with legendary Brazilian player Ronaldo, Germany’s Miroslav Klose has a chance today to break the Cup’s overall scoring record. Striker Thomas Müller, who has led the Germans in goals, is another key player to watch.
Today’s game will air on ESPN and Univision and live streams are available on each broadcaster's website.