Key players in the Brazil vs. Germany match
Brazil versus Germany in Belo Horizonte is set to be a fascinating encounter with a spot in the World Cup final up for grabs. DW has a closer look at which players will be most important in tonight's game.
Manuel Neuer
Germany's goalkeeper has proven to be very reliable throughout the tournament and he's one of the main reasons Germany has got this far. The 28-year-old has let in three goals this tournament. He also has good skills with the ball at his feet too, touching the ball 19 times outside of his box against Algeria. Neuer may even take a penalty kick if it gets that far tonight.
Thomas Müller
At the other end of the pitch, Bayern Munich's Thomas Müller is the in-form attacker in the German team. He's now scored four goals and set up another in Germany's five games so far in this campaign, taking his overall tally to nine goals at the World Cup. The young Bavarian is extremely fit and can score goals from almost anywhere.
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Although he entered the tournament under an injury cloud, Bastian Schweinsteiger has been getting stronger from game to game. He is an important motivator in the center of the pitch for the rest of the team and often saves his best for important games. The Bayern midfielder will be a core man for the match versus Brazil.
Philipp Lahm
It's tough to leave out the in-form Mats Hummels from this list, but when it comes to the defensive line, Philipp Lahm really does run the show. The team's captain has been put into midfield at times in this tournament and even there he's shown his strong passing game and clean tackling. When Lahm plays well, Germany normally wins.
David Luiz
The flamboyant defender will be the Brazilian captain this evening with Thiago Silva suspended. Luiz's charging runs forward are entertaining, and risky, but the 27-year-old needs to be a solid presence in defense. Now a PSG player, the former Chelsea man contributed with the second goal - a blistering free-kick - in the 2-1 win over Colombia.
Luiz Gustavo
The Wolfsburg ace isn't the most recognisable name on the Brazilian teamsheet, but his importance shouldn't be underestimated. The defensive-midfielder breaks up play, wins tackles and offers a solid foundation for Brazil to build from. He has featured in four of five matches, even setting up a goal in the 4-1 win over Cameroon.
Bernard
Neymar's tournament-ending injury leaves a blank on the Brazil starting line-up. Who will be his replacement, and Brazil's savior? Bernard is one option. Hailing from Belo Horizonte, his inclusion will help get more support from the crowd and the nippy winger is a tricky customer. Bernard plays his club football for Shakhtar Donestk in Ukraine.
Oscar
His tournament started in a blaze of glory, but since his goal against Croatia, Oscar has been the quiet man of the Brazil attack. The Chelsea playmaker is one of the most naturally talented players in the side. Brazil will need the 22-year-old U20 World Cup winner to step up against Germany if they are going to book a place in the final.