The semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup kick off in Belo Horizonte as hosts Brazil take on Germany in a repeat of the 2002 final.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side edged past Colombia in their quarter final tie in Fortaleza on Friday, with goals from centre-back duo Thiago Silva and David Luiz putting the game beyond their South American counterparts before the tournament’s top scorer James Rodriguez netted a consolation from the penalty spot ten minutes from time.

Brazil captain Thiago looks set to miss the game through suspension, though an appeal unprecedented appeal has been lodged in a hope that FIFA will overturn the yellow card handed to the Paris Saint Germain man last time out.

A decision in favour of the hosts of such a nature would be unprecedented, so Bayern Munich’s Dante is ready to deputise though one player that certainly won’t be involved is star striker Neymar, who was ruled out of the tournament following a challenge from Colombia’s Camilo Zuniga last time out while Chelsea’s Willian may also miss out.

In Neymar’s absence, the onus will be on goal-shy strike duo Fred and Hulk, who are widely available at 8.5 (15/2) and 9.0 (8/1) respectively in the first goal-scorer market.

There is barely anything between the sides in the eyes of the bookmakers, with both priced at 2.8 (9/5) with a number of firms to win the match in ninety minutes, though Bet Victor offer the ever so slightly more generous odds of 2.88 (15/8) for Germany. The draw is 3.25 (9/4) with Paddy Power.

Mats Hummels returned from illness in time to face France in the last eight in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, and his twelfth minute header was enough to secure victory for the three time World Champions.

Hummels centre-back partner Per Mertesacker has himself been suffering with illness and missed the win over the 1998 winners, but should be fit in time to feature.

Thomas Muller is 8.0 (7/1) with Ladbrokes to open the scoring, while Miroslav Klose is available at the same price with a variety of firms.

Both Brazil and Germany are similarly priced to win the competition, behind new favourites Argentina so a close game is expected.

With that in mind, you may be keen to know that each side can be backed at 12.0 (11/1) to win the match in extra-time with Bet Victor, while the same firm offer 11.0 (10/1) for each to win on penalties.