The 2014 World Cup Semifinals begin today with the game between Brazil and Germany. The match is scheduled for a 4:00 (EST) p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN. Currently the odds for the match have Brazil listed as a small favorite in this one.
Brazil will be playing without Neymar in this match, which obviously has been noted by all media outlets. Without him, can they beat a methodical, technical German squad that has its sights set on the World Cup? Brazil definitely has the home field advantage in this one, if their is such a thing at this point in the tournament.
Both teams have played very well to this point. Both teams won their group stages and had a pretty difficult time getting to this point in the tournament, winning close matches in both of their knockout rounds.
Brazil had to survive their opening round of 16 matchup in penalty kicks over Chile and beat Colombia 2-1 despite Neymar getting injured. Germany has played a couple of tough teams as well with a 2-1 win over Algeria in their opening knockout match and claimed a 1-0 victory over France in the quarterfinals.
Historically Germany is one of the best defensive teams in the world. They find a way to put together an amazing back line that doesn't allow opponents to get close to the net. Had Neymar played in this game today we'd expect him to at least get a look or two at the goal, but without him Brazil will have to try and find another way.
These two clubs have reached the semifinal stage a combined 24 times.
Thomas Muller is looking to roam in front of the Brazil net in this one. Certainly the Brazilian defense, mainly Dante and David Luiz, will mark him the entire game. Silva is suspended for this one, which hurts the Brazilians a bit.
We expect Brazil to come out scratching and clawing, especially without their best player. But without Neymar on the pitch, Germany is the better team. The Germans play too good on defense and are very good all-around. We like them to pick up the win and advance to the finals.
Prediction: Germany 2, Brazil 1
Golden Nugget Games Of The Year
Steve Fezzik from Pregame.com takes a look at some the games of the year that have been released by the Golden Nugget, along with some tips for handicapping them.
$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
$10,000 Match Marco Baseball Challenge — During the 2010 MLB season, Pregame Pro Marco D'Angelo won an unheard of 25 straight baseball games, never laying more than -$120! This contest replicates Marco's feat — CLICK TO JOIN
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for Major League Baseball with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!