Image source, EPA

Whoever wins between Brazil and Germany later will face either Argentina or the Netherlands in the Maracana on Sunday. And the Dutch have been boosted ahead of Wednesday's semi-final by the news that injured midfielder Nigel de Jong has returned to training.

It is not clear yet whether the combative AC Milan midfielder is fit to play. Dutch coach Louis van Gaal is facing the media later today - hopefully that will provide us with an answer.

Larry Eimar:, external Argentina v Germany in the final. Argentina get their third star and Messi finally wins his first World Cup.

Do you agree with Larry? If not, tell us your predictions. Tweet #bbcworldcup, text 81111 or post on our Facebook page., external Come on, let's be having you!

Dan Roan
BBC sport news correspondent

"Rio mural depicting Brazil World Cup win, Neymar lifting trophy. Could they still do it? For him? What a story it would be."

Germany don't have to worry about facing Neymar on the pitch - but they could have face 60,000 Neymars in the Belo Horizonte stands. That's because Brazilian sports daily newspaper Lance! has a cut-out mask of the Selecao star on their front page. What a frightening sight that would be...

Brazil defender David Luiz on Twitter:, external Preparing for the game. Remember team work is what counts, we can make a difference.

We've had a substitution as my team-mates Tim Abraham and Aimee Lewis are withdrawn after an energy-sapping stint of Sportsday action. And here's our tactical plan. I'll talk you through the next three hours in the run-up to Brazil v Germany before handing over to Tom Rostance at 19:00 BST for all the team news and minute-by-minute action from Belo Horizonte.

*Whistle sounds* Game on.

They think it's all over - not yet it's not! That's right, World Cup Sportsday is going into extra-time. So, catch your breath, wipe the sweat off your brow and have a quick swig of water. We go again...

Right, that's everything from us. Here's Jonathan Jurejko to guide you through the rest of the build-up...

Nigel Carroll:, external Wondering if no Neymar is a perfect storm for Brazil to fall back on as the excuse for the loss...? Germany to win.

BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson: "I have been saying since the knockout rounds began that this World Cup is wide open and it still is.

"You only had to watch the quarter-finals to see that there is still not an outstanding team - Germany and Argentina won because France and Belgium petered out and the Dutch were far from free-flowing against Costa Rica.

The best performance was Brazil's first half against Colombia, when they went for it. At half-time I was thinking they can win the World Cup. By the end of the game, and with Neymar injured and Thiago Silva suspended, I was thinking they might not."

Image source, John Bennett

BBC World Service's John Bennett: , externalTickets are few and far between

Phil McNulty
BBC chief football writer in Brazil

"Brazil's World Cup has been something of a slow-burner, but for the first hour of their quarter-final win against Colombia in Fortaleza they showed the sort of verve - mixed with physical determination - that finally justified their status as tournament favourites.

"Luiz Felipe Scolari has been using psychologist Regina Brandao, a move that has not been unanimously well-received, notably by legends such as 1970 World Cup-winning captain Carlos Alberto, but he may need her now more than ever.

"The tournament-ending injury to Neymar has driven at the very heart of Brazil's hopes of winning the World Cup and Scolari must hope his absence, along with suspended captain Thiago Silva, does not have an impact on the spirit and momentum that has been slowly building both among the team and the mass support willing them on towards the final."

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson: "I initially thought Brazil were in big trouble once we found out that Neymar's injury had ruled him out of the tournament, to go with Thiago Silva's suspension for this game.

"But now I have got a funny feeling that Brazil might win, partly because I think the whole nation no longer expects them to.

"I think the players who come in for that duo will have a point to prove and Neymar was very, very quiet in the quarter-final against Colombia anyway. Home advantage will again count for them."

Joseph Coote-Cowling:, external Louis van Gaal is like Doctor Who because he always uses his genius to save the day. Nederland all the way!

Agustine Pimentel:, external it would be awesome to se the Netherlands win it all. 2nd place in 3 times. Great players, great football tradition. New Star!

Mark Ashworth:, external Sorry Brazilians but just through sheer malevolence I'd like to see Argentina beat Brazil in the final.

Who do you want to win the World Cup and why? You can tweet us your thoughts using the hashtag #bbcworldcup.

BBC South American football expert Tim Vickery: "In the last couple of days Scolari has gone out of his way to praise the performance of centre forward Fred against Colombia, describing him as 'participative'. Might there be an element of kidology in this?

"A key part of the justification for the presence of Fred was the feeling that Neymar was happier playing behind a back-to-goal centre forward who would both open up space for him and give the option of exchanging passes on the edge of the area.

"This concern, of course, no longer applies."

Germany midfielder Toni Kroos:, external Matchday!!!

Image source, Getty Images

Which team covers the most distance per match? Funny you should ask because we have the answer.

The Germans have covered 115.3km so far in this tournament, while Brazil are lagging behind on 106.8km. Joachim Low's men have also completed more passes than their semi-final rivals (2938 compared with 1816).

Image source, Mark Chapman

BBC Sport's Mark Chapman: , externalWorld Cup artwork appearing on the wall by the BBC Sport studio

Image source, Getty Images

BBC South American football expert Tim Vickery: "Willian has been seen as the first reserve for either Neymar or Oscar. Indeed, before the tournament there was a media push for him to be in the side in place of his Chelsea team-mate.

"The impression is that he has lost ground over the course of the last few weeks.

"But in terms of his capacity to operate all across the attacking line, he is the closest Brazil have to Neymar."

Image source, Getty Images

Napoli have leapt to the defence of their Colombia full-back Juan Zuniga in response to criticism following Neymar's World Cup-ending injury.

"Napoli are sorry for the accident that occurred that will prevent Neymar from playing in the semi-final against Germany," the Italian club say in a statement., external

"At the same time, the club expresses its support for Zuniga , who has been subjected to fierce criticism and threats of all kinds, for a foul in play that was not malicious but unfortunate in its consequences."