After the excitement of the group stages and arm wrestle of the 2nd round and quarterfinals, the semifinals have finally arrived.
This is no doubt the phase which no team wants to lose in considering a place in the Final is up for grabs.
Yes there is the consolation of playing for 3rd but really it is nothing more than a consolation and an extra game for FIFA's coffers.
World fans may be hoping that South America wins it's tussle with Europe given the recent domination by teams from the UEFA zone and while a potential Brazil v Argentina has been denied it's battle between Messi and Neymar, it's still universally the Final everyone wants to see.
Here's a look at all the semifinals ahead.
Brazil v Germany, Belo Horizonte
The buildup to this game has no doubt been overshadowed by Neymar's tournament ending back injury. However, Brazil still have one record in hand - they haven't lost a competitive match at home since losing to Peru in the 1970s and even though the Germans will be the toughest opposition the Brazilians have yet to face, the Selecao can rely on home support to lift them even without Neymar and Thiago Silva.
Brazil's lineup will be very interesting - could Willian finally feature in a key role as a false 9 - think Piri Weepu for the ABs when Carter was ruled out at the 2011 RWC. Meanwhile, Germany should have a settled lineup with the only question being whether to stick with veteran Miroslav Klose.
Whatever happens this very much feels like last chance saloon for both Scolari and Loew - both will be gone as coaches in the weeks after the next two games.
Brazil win 1-0 thanks to a David Luiz special.
Wednesday, 9 June 2014, 5pm local time
Netherlands v Argentina, São Paulo
1978 and 1998 all over again. The stakes are high again for both these old foes with a place in the World Cup Final up for grabs this time.
Funnily enough, it's Argentina who have the form ahead of this clash while the Oranije have struggled in their last two clashes against CONCACAF opposition. Argentina will definitely be a bigger test for van Gaal's men and the new United manager will be hoping captain, Robin van Persie can find his earlier tournament form again. Arjen Robben's hard work needs someone to finish it.
Sabella's only injury concern is that of Angel di Maria with the in form Real Madrid winger out due to injury. At least, Higuain has found his scoring boots again so that should take the pressure off Lionel Messi who is in the middle of a 2 game goal scoring drought. Marcos Rojo is back from suspension too to boost a defence that has actually performed much better than expected.
Argentina win 3-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
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