Brazil go into today’s crucial World Cup semi-final clash against Germany with a big cloud of uncertainty hovering over the entire nation at the worst possible time. Will the Selecao be able to overcome the absence of their national hero, Neymar?

Where to watch –

Brazil vs Germany kicks off at 4 PM EST/1 PM PST today, and this is where people in the United States can watch the game:

English language: ESPN and WatchESPN
Spanish language: Univision, Univision Deportes Network and Univision online
Portuguese language: ESPN Deportes

Referee –

Marco Rodriguez (Mexico)

Starting lineups – 

Brazil: César; Maicon, Dante, Luiz, Marcelo; Gustavo, Fernandinho, Hulk, Oscar, Bernard; Fred.

Germany: Neuer, Hoewedes, Hummels, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Klose, Muller, Lahm, Kroos, Boateng.

Statistics –

Brazil only have to look as far as their head-to-head record against Germany to seek inspiration. They have beaten Germany on 12 occasions previously, while the Germans have only won a paltry 4 times against the South Americans. That could give Brazil some respite and confidence going into tonight’s blockbuster showdown.

Taking the respective teams’ overall showing in the tournament, both have averaged around 12 chances per game, which have led to 2 goals in each game with just over 50% shooting accuracy. That shows there’s not much to separate these two sides in attack.

The cumulative defensive figures tell a different story altogether. The Brazilians have made 75 interceptions so far in the tournament, which is almost twice than that of Germany’s 39. However with the absence of Thiago Silva, that number could not increase by much today.

SEE MORE — Everything you need to know about the World Cup.

Before, during or after today’s match, join the conversation in the comments section below with fellow soccer fans from around the world.