World Cup Semifinals- Brazil vs. Germany: Match Thread

Real Madrid's preseason starts in less than one week, but before Los Blancos get back to work, two of their members will face off for their national sides in the hopes of advancing to the World Cup finals this Sunday. Fullback Marcelo will represent Brazil while midfielder Khedira will play for his native Germany. Both nations are powerhouses on the international stage, with Brazil having won five World Cups to Germany's three.

While Marcelo has enjoyed a good, though not spectacular tournament, Khedira has truly impressed with his dynamism, physicality and box-to-box play. Considering the German is returning from ACL surgery, his performance at this World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular and he deserves some serious credit.

Enjoy the game, and here's hoping Marcelo and Khedira make it through without an injury.

BRAZIL STARTING XI: Julio Cesar, David Luiz (c), Fernandinho, Marcelo, Hulk, Fred, Oscar, Dante, Luiz Gustavo, Bernard, Maicon

GERMANY STARTING XI: Neuer, Hoewedes, Hummels, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Klose, Muller, Lahm (c), Kroos, Boateng