What's that noise? It's the sharp shrill of the full-time whistle being blown on Sportsday. But the fun is only just about to start. Kick-off in Belo Horizonte is just under two hours away so, wherever you are, whatever you're doing, get yourself over to our live text commentary right now. Tom Rostance is the man in charge of proceedings, bringing you all the big-match buzz and every kick as it happens. Enjoy!

Steve Huish, Surbiton, via text: Germany to win this evening. All due respect to Brazil over Neymar but they fouled their way to the semi final. Germany playing good football. The ref has to stop the fouling and give yellows.

Steve Wilkes:, external Thinking Fred and Hulk may actually play with more freedom without Neymar instead of everything going through him.

Brazil have not contested a World Cup semi-final since 2002 - when they went on to beat Germany and clinch their fifth title. And they have an excellent record in their last-four ties. Be warned Germany...

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Brazil midfielder Juninho believes the Selecao squad will pull together and try to beat Germany "for Neymar".

"Like I said, as a unit and as a group they get stronger. I'm sure Scolari will mention to his players how important a victory is for Neymar [before semi]," the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder told BBC Radio 5 live.

"But the way Germany have been playing, they are one of the best teams along with the Netherlands."

Tony Bowie, Aberdeen, via text: Germany and Netherlands in the final both teams on fire. Brazil have only just started to fire on all cylinders and missing the key man Neymar. Argentina just can't see them breaking down the Dutch.

BBC World Have Your Say's Ben James:, external Masks of Neymar everywhere, promoting #SomosTodosNeymar ("we are all Neymar").

If you missed it (scroll down to 16:20), Germany will faces thousands of Neymars after a Brazilian paper printed cut-out masks of the injured Barcelona star.

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal also strongly advises Dutch parents to let their kids stay up to watch the Argentina game, saying the youngsters "will be so concerned about the score they won't sleep".

Expect bleary eyes at school across the Netherlands on Thursday morning then....

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal says captain Robin van Persie trained on his own ahead of Wednesday's semi-final against Argentina because of a stomach problem.

The soon-to-be Manchester United boss also reckons he has not considered starting goalkeeper Tim Krul following his penalty-saving antics against Costa Rica.

John via text: Germany vs Italy 2006 has to rank among the best world cup semis ever. Stunning late strikes from Del Piero and Grosso in extra time!

Germany are the first nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in four consecutive tournaments. But they have also lost their last two semi-finals - losing to the eventual winners in both 2006 and 2010. Italy beat Jurgen Klinsmann's side in dramatic fashion on home soil, before Spain edged past them in South Africa four years ago.

Ian, Tunbridge Wells, via text: Brazil to win 2-1 with Fred to come good with both goals. Home support and collective spirit to make the difference. Come on Brazil!!

Image source, Getty Images

Thousands of German fans are expected to pack into the sweeping avenue that runs through the heart of capital city Berlin to cheer on their team later.

Organisers have extended the 1.3km-long fan zone, which runs between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, by 500 metres for tonight's semi-final against Brazil. That'll be one heck of a party if Die Mannschaft win...

BBC World Service sports reporter John Bennett:, external Brazil and Germany fans making friends in Belo Horizonte.

BBC Radio 5 live

Former Brazil midfielder Juninho says the nation is devastated over Neymar's injury because "he is such a nice person" - as well as being a decent player, of course.

"It was his dream to play for Brazil, his dream to help Brazil win the tournament," the ex-Middlesbrough midfielder tells BBC Radio 5 live.

"But this is football. Sometimes bad tackles happen. But I was at Brazil's training ground and I spoke with Scolari and a few players. What I felt was that they will be positive because of Neymar."

Germany forward Thomas Muller:, external "Everything is in there. We must only believe and be at full throttle. It will hopefully be a great semi-final against Brazil."

Image source, Getty Images

Excellent point Peter. Put your hand up if you backed Brazil to beat the world champions 12 months ago? Hmmm I don't believe you.

The Selecao produced a breathtaking performance at the Maracana to win 3-0 and claim their third consecutive Fifa Confederations Cup.

Driven on by the passion of a fiercely partisan crowd, they ended Spain's 29-match competitive unbeaten record with a majestic display. What a warning sign that proved for for La Roja.

Fred scored twice, but Neymar stole the show, scoring Brazil's second goal with a rasping left-foot shot. Fred would snap your hand off for two goals now....

Peter Critchley, via text: At home Brazil are a different class. Look at the thrashing of Spain in the Confederations Cup final last summer. Predicting a 2-0 win for the hosts even without Neymar/Thiago Silva.