This complicated match features a multi-dimensional German attack lead by Thomas Mueller, and a Brazilian team willing to do whatever is necessary to win.
THE FELIPE SELECAO
Felipe Scolari has slipped by two impressive South American rivals by committing to a version of football that places more weight on tactical fouls than on tactical cohesiveness.
Scolari's squad have fouled the opposition fifty-nine times in the last two matches combined, and have been egged on by both lenient officiating crews and a home crowd that--while they may crave 'joga bonito'--does not want anyone else leaving with their cup.
With his two best players out of the action, this semifinal is a test of Scolari's vision of himself as the 'religious patriarch over a family of players.' Will they remain faithful and battle to the last for him, or will they just go overboard against skillful opposition?
Either way, rooting for Brazil continues to be an awkward proposition for many neutrals accustomed to doing so.
While he perhaps can't claim credit for it, Scolari--with the help of psychologists and the unfortunate absences of Silva and Neymar--has managed to take the pressure off of this group, with his surrogate captain, David Luiz, a fitting leader for this now unpredictable side.
Personnel-wise, however, there may not be many surprises, with Dante most likely coming in for the suspended Thiago Silva, and Willian for the nearly-paralyzed Neymar.(Scolari could also switch to a defensive version of a 4-3-3, deploying three holding-type midfielders and perhaps dropping his traditional center forward, but this is mere speculation.)
Oscar will probably shift inside and be flanked by Hulk and Willian, with either Fred or Jo up front; if this is the case, either of the (thus-far) completely ineffective strikers may benefit from someone more likely to stay in the hole when Brazil has the ball.
Scolari may or may not revert to Dani Alves at right back over his longtime favorite (but clearly inferior at this point) Maicon, and Luiz Gustavo and Fernandinho are the most likely defensive midfield pairing.
Marcelo, who's ability to get forward and temperament could be crucial in this contest, will line up left of the central defensive pair.
One interesting, final note about baby-faced Oscar is that he is the top tackler in this World Cup, with twenty-five successful. Since his brilliant performance in the first game against Croatia, he's been relatively quiet, but this statistic suggests he's bought into Scolari's philosophy, yet in his own understated way, and with minimal fouls.
MUELLER'S STAGE IS SET
Even though Germany's game against France was the first in this World Cup which Mueller failed to register either a goal or an assist, his physical battle with the much-stouter Patrice Evra was an important aspect of a close game.
While the two demonstrated respect for one another--and could perhaps play together next year at Manchester United under Van Gaal--Patrice Evra had his sights set on taking the lanky striker off of his game, and Mueller was able to make a fight of it without letting this individual battle make him less available for his teammates.
This was an important demonstration from Germany's top attacker, as he will most likely be taken down at least five times by the Brazilians, and the Germans need him to remain focused and on the pitch for the entirety of the semifinal.
Mueller has already won the Golden Boot (most goals) and the Best Young Player awards in 2010, and was suspended while Germany lost to Spain in that semifinal.
If he is able to lead Germany by Brazil, there will most likely be only one remaining player in between him and the Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player.
Because of Schweinsteiger's increasingly strong play as a pivot, Lahm will probably stay put as right back, where he is uber-competent and seems to have a calming effect on the whole German back line. Sami Khedira will most likely partner with Schweinsteiger as a second holder.
Howedes will need to make sure that he stays home on the left side of defense if Dani Alves is fielded for the Brazilians, and Boateng will be paired with Germany's second-best performer in this world cup so far, Matt Hummels, in the center of defense.
Of Mario Gotze, Miraslov Klose and Andre Schurrle, two will play along with Mueller and Ozil in a fluid, four-man attack that possesses well, but is also prepared to counter.
Mezut Ozil has been increasingly showing signs of effectiveness as the tournament has worn on, and may finally find himself in the slot, but he could also end up on either wing.
Unlike Mueller, Ozil does not often acquit himself well in physical contests, and Scolari's men will be more than ready to make sure he knows why a European team has never succeeded in winning the greatest competition of the beautiful game on their continent.
THE FELIPE SELECAO
Felipe Scolari has slipped by two impressive South American rivals by committing to a version of football that places more weight on tactical fouls than on tactical cohesiveness.
Scolari's squad have fouled the opposition fifty-nine times in the last two matches combined, and have been egged on by both lenient officiating crews and a home crowd that--while they may crave 'joga bonito'--does not want anyone else leaving with their cup.
With his two best players out of the action, this semifinal is a test of Scolari's vision of himself as the 'religious patriarch over a family of players.' Will they remain faithful and battle to the last for him, or will they just go overboard against skillful opposition?
Either way, rooting for Brazil continues to be an awkward proposition for many neutrals accustomed to doing so.
While he perhaps can't claim credit for it, Scolari--with the help of psychologists and the unfortunate absences of Silva and Neymar--has managed to take the pressure off of this group, with his surrogate captain, David Luiz, a fitting leader for this now unpredictable side.
Personnel-wise, however, there may not be many surprises, with Dante most likely coming in for the suspended Thiago Silva, and Willian for the nearly-paralyzed Neymar.(Scolari could also switch to a defensive version of a 4-3-3, deploying three holding-type midfielders and perhaps dropping his traditional center forward, but this is mere speculation.)
Oscar will probably shift inside and be flanked by Hulk and Willian, with either Fred or Jo up front; if this is the case, either of the (thus-far) completely ineffective strikers may benefit from someone more likely to stay in the hole when Brazil has the ball.
Scolari may or may not revert to Dani Alves at right back over his longtime favorite (but clearly inferior at this point) Maicon, and Luiz Gustavo and Fernandinho are the most likely defensive midfield pairing.
Marcelo, who's ability to get forward and temperament could be crucial in this contest, will line up left of the central defensive pair.
One interesting, final note about baby-faced Oscar is that he is the top tackler in this World Cup, with twenty-five successful. Since his brilliant performance in the first game against Croatia, he's been relatively quiet, but this statistic suggests he's bought into Scolari's philosophy, yet in his own understated way, and with minimal fouls.
MUELLER'S STAGE IS SET
Even though Germany's game against France was the first in this World Cup which Mueller failed to register either a goal or an assist, his physical battle with the much-stouter Patrice Evra was an important aspect of a close game.
While the two demonstrated respect for one another--and could perhaps play together next year at Manchester United under Van Gaal--Patrice Evra had his sights set on taking the lanky striker off of his game, and Mueller was able to make a fight of it without letting this individual battle make him less available for his teammates.
This was an important demonstration from Germany's top attacker, as he will most likely be taken down at least five times by the Brazilians, and the Germans need him to remain focused and on the pitch for the entirety of the semifinal.
Mueller has already won the Golden Boot (most goals) and the Best Young Player awards in 2010, and was suspended while Germany lost to Spain in that semifinal.
If he is able to lead Germany by Brazil, there will most likely be only one remaining player in between him and the Golden Ball award for the tournament's best player.
Because of Schweinsteiger's increasingly strong play as a pivot, Lahm will probably stay put as right back, where he is uber-competent and seems to have a calming effect on the whole German back line. Sami Khedira will most likely partner with Schweinsteiger as a second holder.
Howedes will need to make sure that he stays home on the left side of defense if Dani Alves is fielded for the Brazilians, and Boateng will be paired with Germany's second-best performer in this world cup so far, Matt Hummels, in the center of defense.
Of Mario Gotze, Miraslov Klose and Andre Schurrle, two will play along with Mueller and Ozil in a fluid, four-man attack that possesses well, but is also prepared to counter.
Mezut Ozil has been increasingly showing signs of effectiveness as the tournament has worn on, and may finally find himself in the slot, but he could also end up on either wing.
Unlike Mueller, Ozil does not often acquit himself well in physical contests, and Scolari's men will be more than ready to make sure he knows why a European team has never succeeded in winning the greatest competition of the beautiful game on their continent.