Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari believes the setbacks of the past few days will see his side emerge stronger tonight.

The Selecao have spent the days following their quarter-final win over Colombia coming to terms with the loss of their two most important players.

If Neymar’s back injury wasn’t bad enough, captain Thiago Silva’s needless booking in Fortaleza ensures Scolari’s trusted leader will be sat in the stands tonight.

The news that Juan Zuniga, the man whose knee sent Neymar sprawling to the turf, will not face any further action didn’t go down well either.

Scolari now has to try and find a formula to win a World Cup semi-final in his own backyard against a superior German side without his star man.

The stats make horrific reading for those following the Selecao.

Neymar has scored 35 times in 54 games for Brazil, more than anyone else in the squad, with Scolari choosing him for every one of the 27 matches he’s coached in this, his second spell as national manager.

Willian and Bernard, the two vying to fill the gaping chasm left by the Barcelona star’s injury, have managed three goals between them in 23 games.

Problems abound, yet Scolari remained upbeat last night – even if the creative genius of Neymar is missing.

“Myself, the players and the Brazilian people, we are playing for ourselves and our country, for everything we dream of," said Scolari. “I know my starting line-up but I will wait to tell everyone. I think Germany are a good team in every single department. 

“We can’t respect them unless we show them the way we play. We have struggled a lot to get here.

“I could play with three defensive midfielders to give the attacking players more options but that is all I will say.

“Even if Neymar is missing we have a team of 22 players though who know they are special. And they are there because we will need someone to produce a special moment.”

Over 200 million Brazilians will be praying Scolari is right.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

Brazil (4-2-3-1)
Cesar; Alves, Luiz, Dante, Marcelo; Luiz Gustavo, Fernandinho; Hulk, Oscar, Willian; Fred

Germany (4-3-3)
Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes; Kroos, Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Ozil, Muller, Schurrle

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brazil – Hulk
Much will now rest on the forward’s sizeable shoulders after Neymar’s injury. Has yet to score at this World Cup, but has looked lively. He will need to break his duck this summer for Brazil to stand a chance.

Germany – Mats Hummels
Has emerged as a contender for defender of the tournament, with his display against France a joy to behold. His two goals show he also carries a threat at set-pieces.

PREDICTION

Brazil will have a partisan crowd behind them and they have already reaped its benefits in squeezing past Chile and Colombia. But Germany are a different proposition and, with Neymar and Thiago Silva missing, this could be a step too far for the hosts. Germany to progress, 1-2.