I think the Germans will have to up their game a bit to win tonight. With the notable exception of the Portugal match, they've got by in this World Cup so far by "grinding out" results and needed extra-time to overcome Algeria in the 2nd round. They'll also need to be very tight at the back, as any mistakes will likely be punished, even with no Neymar on the pitch.

EDIT: The same is true of Brazil to an extent, but one thing that might go in their favour will be the likely huge home support. I've heard it said in the past that having a huge support on your side can almost count as the "12th man". Not football related, but a huge support for Andy Murray is probably what helped him to win Wimbledon last year, along with other things.

Just a few hours to go, I think it will be a tight contest, I thought Brazil played better in their last game than their previous ones.....they looked good on the attack but still a bit vulnerable at the back, all in all similar to the Germans. Not sure who will come out on top. Whose to say it won't go to penalties? Cesar's good between the sticks on those occasions but so does Neur in the past, hard one to call!

Against other sides I would agree but that won't worry the Germans at all. Seasoned at all this , I expect them to go through .

Well one thing's for sure, with Neymar out Brazil will resort to a 'false 9' on the grounds they don't have any strikers left.

I think whoever wins tonight will just get through, say 1-0 or 2-1. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see this one go to extra-time and possibly even a shoot-out, given the nature of many knock-out matches so far. I think tomorrow night's game will be a close run one as well.

God, the winkfest has begun already with Mowbray talking about the Brazilian national anthem (acapella) being one of the iconic things in sport.

LOL, Brazil all over the shop. Marcello proving why you don't pick Marcello.

Brazil's defence at the moment has more holes than a Swiss cheese.

Germany 3 up

stunning

Germany's all day long matey

4-0

take a good side to beat them IMO

Holy sh.itballs, I expected a Germany win but this is embarassing!  Showing Brazil up for their mediocrity and how 1 dimensional they are without Neymar (and arguably T.Silva).

Brazil have flattered all through this years comp IMO

And most friends and strangers outside said to me before the tournament "nahhhh Brazil will win it"