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Brazil look to maintain nation's dream

Hosts Brazil bid to bring the dream of 200 million compatriots a step closer to reality on Tuesday as they play European giants Germany in the first World Cup semi-final while an illegal ticket sales scandal enveloped a FIFA partner company, AFP said.

Brazil are seeking their sixth World Cup trophy in all and to set aside memories of when Uruguay denied them their first trophy in the 1950 final in their historic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the report said.

However, after being rebuffed by FIFA over two disciplinary matters on Monday they will hope their losing streak doesn't extend into Tuesday when they face a German side, in Belo Horizonte, they have played just once at a World Cup in the 2002 final and which the Selecao -- coached then as now by Luiz Felipe Scolari -- won 2-0, according to AFP.

Having already lost their one star player Neymar to injury the Brazilians failed to persuade FIFA to rescind the yellow card handed out to captain Thiago Silva from the bruising quarter-final with Colombia which meant he is suspended for the semi-final, the report added.

Neymar, who fractured a vertebrae when Juan Camilo Zuniga kneed him in the back in the final stages of the quarter-final, has still found the strength to rally his team-mates ahead of the match. (From news reports)