Former Scotland defender Alan Hansen
MOTD analyst

"If I was to say who is going to win the game I would say it will be who defends better."

The players are in the tunnel. Here we go...

Germany may be in their fourth World Cup semi-final in a way but it is 24 years since they won it - and 18 years since they won anything, with Euro 96 their most recent success.

That's too long for Germany to wait. Is this their year?

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand, MOTD analyst

"Cristiano Ronaldo said from his time in Portugal that Luiz Felipe Scolari creates a family environment and becomes the father figure. That puts a player at ease and you know if that's the case you feel relaxed as a player. He takes the expectations off the players and on to himself."

Former Scotland defender Alan Hansen
MOTD analyst

"I like Luiz Felipe Scolari. I think he is pragmatic, single minded, immune to criticism and stands or falls by his results.

"David Luiz's concentration levels have to be 100 per cent. In this tournament he has done alright, made some good interceptions, but at this stage one mistake could be fatal and you always feel there is a mistake there."

Former England international Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live

"It's perfect conditions for playing football and the first 10 or 15 minutes will be key.

"Germany will try to isolate Dante or David Luiz as neither of them are the most disciplined of defenders, and maybe Germany can exploit their weaknesses."

Just over 15 minutes to go until kick-off then - which means 10 minutes until the anthems.

If there was a World Cup of anthems Brazil would win it hands down - beating Italy in the final...

Juninho
Former Brazil and Middlesbrough midfielder

"In 2002 there were more experienced guys in the Brazil team, more quality players who could decide the match. This group though are stronger as a unit maybe.

"I have been in the changing rooms and felt there was a light atmosphere, they are very strong and that makes me believe that Brazil go to the final."

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport Chief Football Writer

Image source, Getty Images

"Huge roar for Belo Horizonte local boy Bernard when his name appeared on the big screens. What a task for him tonight, filling the gap left by the injured Neymar. Luiz Felipe Scolari said Brazil had put his injury behind them - but that may yet prove easier said than done."

Image source, Fifa

It does not look particularly lavish but there is no doubting the colour. Will the mood be as bright in Brazil's dressing room in a couple of hours?

Former England striker Alan Shearer
MOTD analyst

"I think Germany are a decent team and have great goalscorer in Miroslav Klose and good guy behind him in Thomas Muller, who can play left or right. They have mental toughness about them."

Image source, Getty Images

Imagine following Germany at a major tournament.

"Have we got flights and hotels booked for at least the semi-finals lads?"

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand
MOTD analyst

"Brazil are missing their two best players. Now it's a question of who is going to stand up and take responsibility. Will David Luiz step up and organise the back four like Thiago Silva does and who is going to add the flair? They are the questions that will be asked today."

Former Scotland defender Alan Hansen
MOTD analyst

"I don't think we have seen a great team yet and that is usually to the detriment of the tournament. But you have got any one of the four sides in the semi-finals who could win it, it is wide open. Germany v Brazil are two of the giants of world football vying for a place in the World Cup final in Brazil. That is a mouth-watering prospect."

You can watch by clicking the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

Image source, Getty Images

This man captains his side tonight.

Scorer of one of the great World Cup free-kicks last time out, can David Luiz inspire those around him again?

Quick straw poll: Who would pick Maicon over Dani Alves?

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Dante, Luiz, Marcelo, Gustavo, Fernandinho, Hulk, Oscar, Bernard, Fred. Subs: Jefferson, Dani Alves, Paulinho, Maxwell, Henrique, Ramires, Hernanes, Willian, Jo, Victor.

Stick BBC One on, or watch at the top of the screen - our coverage is under way...

Germany: Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Muller, Kroos, Ozil, Klose. Subs: Zieler, Grosskreutz, Ginter, Schurrle, Podolski, Draxler, Durm, Mertesacker, Gotze, Kramer, Weidenfeller.

Former England international Danny Mills
BBC Radio 5 live

"The back four will have to be superb for Brazil tonight and will have to maintain their concentration throughout the 93 or 123 minutes.

"The role for David Luiz is vital. He has to have one of the games of his life, but also one of his most disciplined performances.

"He has to play as a true centre-half today and if he does not play well, then Brazil will have real concerns."