Any chance of Brazil claiming a dream World Cup crown on home soil looks to have flown out the window in their nightmare quarter-final win.

Neymar's horror injury and Thiago Silva's suspension will severally dent the Brazilians's hopes of going all the way.

Without the world class duo, it's hard to see the hosts now overcoming Germany in Wednesday morning's first semi-final, even with a raucous home crowd on their side.

The Germans have arguably been the standout performers so far at the Cup and their battle-hardened defence won't be under half the pressure it would have been if Neymar was on the pitch.

The likes of Fred and Hulk aren't nearly as imposing as the Barcelona superstar.

With a win against the Brazilians, the Germans should start favourites in a projected final against either Argentina or the Netherlands.

The second semi will be a tense and tightly contested affair, but the extra half an hour the Dutch played in the quarter-final against Costa Rica is sure to work in the South Americans's favour.

Lionel Messi has lived up to his world-class billing throughout the tournament and will undoubtedly be hell-bent on leaving his legacy in the history books next to his countryman Diego Maradona.

Expect Argentina to meet Germany in the final.