Brazil and Germany face off in a quest to reach a record eighth final of the FIFA World Cup 2014. Both have played seven each, no other team has played as many finals.
Semi-final: Brazil vs Germany
Venue: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte
Kick-off: 9pm (5pm, Brazil time)
TV coverage: ITV1, from 8:30pm
Odds: Brazil 17/10, Draw 11/5, Germany 9/5
Referee: Marco Rodriguez (Mexico)
Managers:
Luiz Felipe Scolari (Brazil)
Joachim Low (Germany)
Head-to-head record: Played 21 Brazil Wins 12 Draws 5 Germany Wins 4
Key clash:
1. Brazil defender Dante v Germany striker Miroslav Klose: This could be the most decisive battle in the game with the central defender shouldering the burden of responsibility in the hosts' backline following the suspension of captain Thiago Silva.
2. Brazil forward Fred v Germany defender Mats Hummels: At the other end of the pitch, Germanycentral defender Mats Hummels will have to shackle forward Fred, who will have added responsibilities following the injury absence of Neymar.
3. Brazil midfielder Oscar v Germany defender Phillip Lahm: The gifted Oscar will also have more attacking duties with Neymar out but he will come up against one of the best right-backs in the business. Oscar's quick pace and skills will be tested by Lahm, who reverted back to his fullback duties midway through the tournament after a less than successful stint as holding midfielder.
4. Brazil midfielder Hulk v Germany defender Benedikt Hoewedes: It will be equally hard work forGermany's left back Hoewedes against athletic Hulk. Hoewedes, a trained central defender, has been deployed as fullback in this tournament and has largely been successful.
Penalty shootout record:
Brazil have won three out of four World Cup penalty shootouts over the years. They lost to France in a 1986 quarter-final, but beat Italy in the 1994 final, beat Holland in the 1998 semi-final, and beat Chile in this tournament's last 16.
Germany have an impeccable World Cup penalty shootout record, winning four out of four. They beat France in a 1982 semi-final, Mexico in a 1986 quarter-final, England in a 1990 semi-final and Argentina in a 2006 quarter-final.
Source: sports.ndtv.com & dailymail.co.uk
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