A nation held its collective breath as Neymar riled in pain during Brazil's quarterfinal match last Friday.

Colombia's Juan Zuniga sprung onto Neymar's back knee-first, leaving the star striker immobile before medics carted him off on a stretcher. Neymar, who has only missed six of Brazil's 60 matches following the 2010 World Cup, sustained a fractured vertebrate and will miss the remainder of the tournament.

Selecao will also be without captain Thiago Silva for their semifinal match with Germany after receiving a yellow card suspension. Dante likely takes Silva's place on a team stripped of the playmakers that led to narrow knockout stage victories over Chile and Colombia.

With cogs that make their offense work sidelined, the Brazilians will have their work cut out for them in facing defensive-juggernaut Germany.

Die Mannschaft scrapped by France 1-0 on Hummels' first-half header but didn't muster much else. Their saving grace is in goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and his 18 saves, the highest among remaining World Cup teams.

After storming out of Group G with a 4-0 win over Portugal, the Germans played uninspired football through the group stage and well into knockout rounds. They avoided a colossal upset in the Round of 16 when Algeria took the reigning European champions into extra time.

Schurrie broke the deadlock early into the extra period and Ozil doubled the lead in the 120^th minute before Algeria scored an injury time goal. Germany never quite looked to get in sync since their first game offensive outburst against Portugal. They may be vulnerable to the counter-attack as they were versus Ghana, Algeria and in quarterfinal with France. Nontheless, the Germans have reached a record fourth straight World Cup semi-finals, intypical methodic German fashion. 

The heavyweights face off for the first time since the 2002 World Cup final; a 2-0 Brazil win.

When: Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Where: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte

Kick-off: 4:00 p.m. ET

Live Stream: Watch ESPN, Univision Deportes

TV: ESPN, Univision

What to Watch For:

Brazil coping without Neymar - There are two options in filling Neymar's vacant role: Willian and Oscar, neither of which have impressed thus far. Willian is better suited at left wing while Oscar appears more comfortable at striker.

Still, Neymar's contributions cannot be replicated. To many, the injury transforms the heavy favorites into underdogs despite playing in their own backyard. Any changes Luis Felipe Scolari makes won't change that.

Luiz's spectacular free-kick against Colombia reaffirmed his ability to capitalize on opposing mistakes. He, above his teammates, will feel pressure to perform while Neymar is out, especially if he captains the team in Silva's place.

Mueller and Klose vs. Brazilian defenders - Silva's suspension sends shockwaves through Brazil's defense. It may even cause Scolari to change the 4-2-3-1 formation he's used throughout the World Cup.

Central defenders shoulder the burden of Klose and Mueller, the tournament's second leading scorer. Klose is arguably the best German striker over the last 15 years and brings much-needed experience. The long-range striker is chasing a record breaking 16^th World Cup goal.

In some ways, Mueller is Klose's protégé; a young striker whose already scored more goals than Messi. Together, they will be more than Dante, Luiz, or any combination of Brazilian defenders can handle.

Prediction - This German club has been together for a while and won't be making any major adjustments for Brazil. Meanwhile, Neymar and Silva's absence will prove too difficult to overcome for the Brazilians. Germany 2-1

Projected Lineups:

Brazil (4-2-3-1): Cesar, Alves, Luiz, Dante, Marcelo, Paulinho, Fernandinho, Hulk, Oscar, Willian, Fred

Belgium (4-2-3-1): Neuer, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes, Lahm, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Ozil, Kroos, Muller, Klose