Summary

  • Brazil v Germany semi-final (21:00 BST)

  • Live on BBC One, 5 live & website

  • Brazil boss Scolari: We can cope without Neymar

  • German boss Low wants referee to take tough line

  • GET INVOLVED: Who do you want to win the tournament? #bbcworldcup

  1. In the paperspublished at 12:24 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    The ScotsmanImage source, The Scotsman

    The Scotsman , externalremembers the "loss of a football giant" following Alfredo Di Stefano's death, aged 88.

  2. Klose to making historypublished at 12:23 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Germany striker Miroslav KloseImage source, AFP

    Germany striker Miroslav Klose is the only player in either the Germany or Brazil squads to have played a part in the 2002 World Cup final between the two nations.

    He is one goal away from becoming the highest scorer in World Cup history, but there's a but - the 36-year-old Lazio forward has never scored in a semi-final or final at the World Cup.

  3. Germany's route to the semi-finalpublished at 12:15 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Germany's Miroslav KloseImage source, AFP

    Germany were fortunate to escape with a point from their second match in Group G after a 2-2 draw with Ghana in Fortaleza.

    Veteran striker Miroslav Klose came off the bench to equalise and in the process become joint-record scorer in World Cup history with Brazil's Ronaldo.

    Check out Klose's somersault celebration and the highlights of the match which also saw Mario Gotze's unorthodox header give Germany the lead, before Ghana came roaring back through Andre Ayew and Asamoah Gyan.

  4. Speculation over Yaya Toure futurepublished at 12:14 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Ivory Coast and Man City midfielder Yaya ToureImage source, Getty Images

    Speculation in France over Yaya Toure's future at Manchester City continues to mount with reports in French newspaper Le Parisien the midfielder still wants to leave the club.

    Toure, 31, said in May that the club's wealthy owners showed him a lack of respect by not wishing him happy birthday.

    The paper quotes an unnamed Ivory Coast international team-mate as saying: "He has accumulated too many grudges against [Manchester City's] leaders and he will not stay with them.

    "He will do everything to ensure his departure this summer."

  5. Italy talks flatter Mancinipublished at 11:58 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Roberto ManciniImage source, Getty Images

    Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini admits he is flattered by speculation that he could be the next coach of Italy following Cesare Prandelli's decision to quit after their World Cup exit.

    Mancini, who was most recently in charge of Galatasaray, won 36 caps for Italy as a player.

    "To see that Azzurri fans want me as coach makes me proud," Mancini says.

    "However, it is just rumours and I have not heard from anyone. It's nice to be among the candidates."

  6. In the paperspublished at 11:51 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    MarcaImage source, Marca

    The front page of Marca is dedicated to one man as the Spanish newspaper remembers Alfredo Di Stefano, who died on Monday aged 88.

  7. Brazil prays for World Cup glorypublished at 11:47 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Ben Smith
    BBC Sport

    "Neymar may be out of the World Cup, but Brazil has kept the faith; Brazil still believes," writes BBC Sport's Ben Smith in Rio de Janeiro.

    "During the run to Tuesday's semi-final against Germany, the players have used religious symbols, lucky charms, music and prayer.

    "It is often said that, in Brazil, football is a religion, but it is a much more complicated picture than that. Football is instead a platform for the country's religions to find a voice."

  8. In the paperspublished at 11:42 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Bild newspaperImage source, Bild

    "We come to the final" says German newspaper Bild, external as 11 football experts explain why Germany will beat Brazil in tonight's semi-final.

  9. Becks wishes Neymar a speedy recoverypublished at 11:34 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    David Beckham and NeymarImage source, Facebook/David Beckham

    David Beckham has posted a series of pictures on Facebook with Neymar and wished the injured Brazilian a quick recovery.

    "Very disappointed to no longer see Neymar Jr. playing at World Cup," wrote the 39-year-old.

    "Considering the pressure he has been under, he has been incredible. Get better soon and I know you will come back even stronger, força neymar."

  10. Who do you want to win the World Cup and why?published at 11:24 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Louis van GaalImage source, Getty Images

    Sebastian Szlenkier:, external I'm not a huge fan of the Netherlands but as a Manchester United fan it couldn't hurt to boast that our new manager is a World Cup winner.

    Malc Gorman:, external Brazil to win, one reason David Luiz. It's great to see a pro who has fun and cares. Loves football like us amateurs.

    Hawwa Hassan Katsina:, external Argentina to win, just to close the debate between Messi and Ronaldo.

    There must be some more weird and wonderful reasons as to who you are supporting in the semi-finals. We'd love to hear them so get in touch.

    #bbcworldcup, external on Twitter, 81111 on text and the BBC Sport Facebook page., external

  11. In the paperspublished at 11:14 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Daily Express back pageImage source, Daily Express

    The back page of the Daily Express, external says David Luiz has told his Brazil team-mates to be ready for "the game of our lives" against Germany.

  12. Marcelo's hair of confidencepublished at 11:06 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Mesut Ozil (left) with Marcelo at Real MadridImage source, Marcelo

    Brazil's Marcelo, external has tweeted his former Real Madrid team-mate and Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil: "Can't wait to see you again bro. My hair hasn't changed but yours has! #allin or nothing."

  13. Question of Sport teaserpublished at 11:02 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Today, our friends from Question of Sport, external ask: "Since 1990, which 10 players whose surnames end in a vowel have scored in a World Cup semi-final?"

    Scratch your heads, search the world wide web, do whatever you have to do, and we will reveal the answers this afternoon.

  14. Brazil v Germany (21:00 BST) team newspublished at 10:59 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Germany defender Per MertesackerImage source, AFP

    Germany coach Joachim Low must decide whether to recall Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker, who was left out of their 1-0 quarter-final win over France for tactical reasons.

    Low, who has no other fresh injury concerns ahead of the semi-final against hosts Brazil, started with Mats Hummels and Benedikt Howedes at the heart of Germany's defence against the French.

  15. Germany's route to the semi-finalpublished at 10:46 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Germany's Thomas Muller and Portugal's PepeImage source, Getty Images

    After losing key players Lars Bender and Marco Reus to injury before the World Cup began, expectations in Germany were lower than usual heading into their opening match against Portugal.

    But Joachim Low's side got off to a stunning start with a 4-0 win over Portugal in Salvador as Thomas Muller scored the first hat-trick of the tournament.

    You can still check out the goals and key incidents from a feisty encounter which had Portugal defender Pepe sent off for headbutting Muller.

  16. Cole relishing Roma challengepublished at 10:36 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Roma defender Ashley ColeImage source, ASROMAOFFICIAL

    Away from the World Cup for a moment, former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole admits he is looking forward to the prospect of playing in Serie A after signing a two-year contract at Roma.

    "Happy to have signed my contract at Roma. Just want to thank everyone for your lovely messages," Cole says on Twitter., external

    "Will never forget my time in England was a pleasure, but now on to a new challenge."

  17. News from around the worldpublished at 10:30 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Will German Chancellor Angela Merkel pick the World Cup final over meeting new Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi? India.com says: , external"Sources said Merkel is expected to choose Maracana (where the final will be played) over her scheduled meeting with Modi if Germany goes into the final."

    The Malay Mail , externalreports that the inventor of the "magic spray" being used at the World Cup says he is driven by the love of the game, rather than becoming a multi-millionaire.

  18. Howard laughs at internet funniespublished at 10:22 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Everton and USA goalkeeper Tim Howard has finally had time to look at the hundreds of memes (internet funnies) which went viral following his record-breaking performance against Belgium.

    Howard made 15 saves in the last-16 tie, which led many on social media to post pictures of 'Things Tim Howard Could Save'.

    Howard said on Facebook: , externalNot going to lie, some of these are pretty funny.... But you guys got wayyy to much time on your hands, lol

    Tim Howard saving the TitanicImage source, Memes
  19. Transfer news: Fulham sign McCormackpublished at 10:07 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Fulham complete the signing of Scotland striker Ross McCormack from fellow Championship club Leeds for an undisclosed fee believed to be about £11m.

    The 27-year-old, who has signed a four-year contract at Craven Cottage, was the top scorer in the Championship last season with 29 goals.

    Ross McCormackImage source, Getty Images
  20. Who do you want to win the World Cup and why?published at 10:05 British Summer Time 8 July 2014

    Christian Cordina:, external I'd like Netherlands to win it. They've lost the World Cup final three times; twice to the host nation. They've been a joy to watch at this tournament.

    Niyi Martins:, external The Dutch can wait for now. In my lifetime, I want to witness what the atmosphere will be like with a Brazil-Argentina final.

    Jack Parkes:, external Brazil have let me down at this World Cup. Fouls, anti-football tactics and some dodgy ref decisions. A win would taint the trophy.