If there were two players that Brazil did not want to be without, they would most certainly be captain Thiago Silva and Neymar.
That fear has now become reality as Neymar suffered a spine injury and Silva earned a suspension after an attritional match against Colombia on Friday night.
But does Big Phil Scolari regret ignoring some veteran alternatives to Neymar like Ronaldinho or Kaka?
BBC South American football expert Tim Vickery thinks that would not have been a good idea when he joined us tonight, describing Ronaldinho as a "travesty" of what he once was and that perhaps Kaka could have been a wise old owl.
He also ruled out the out-of-form Alexandre Pato and reiterated that there were no shocks in the original 23.
But who should and is likely to come in for Neymar and Silva?
"The defence, we know what's going to happen. David Luiz moves across to the right side and he is also the captain. Dante will come in and be the left-sided centre-back," said Tim, who also expects Luiz Gustavo to return at defensive midfield to combat Germany's attacking midfielders.
That could be the only changes and that would mean a solid 4-3-3.
"But if they go for something bolder, presumably Paulinho would miss out. If he retains his 4-2-3-1 then there are two options to come in for Neymar. One is Willian whose seen as the first reserve for both Oscar and Neymar," said Tim, adding that the Chelsea man has fallen slightly out of favour.
"The other option is Bernard. Scolari fell in love with Bernard during the Confederations Cup and in training sessions. He described him as a player with joy in his legs."
The fact that Bernard is from Belo Horizonte where the semi-final is played could sway Scolari's mind.
Tim also mused about a third option which could see Fred dropped for a non-centre-forward, seeing as the misfiring striker has been a first teamer as a means of helping Neymar.
Tim also explained why Maicon is a better option at right back than Dani Alves because of his style and predicted how the Germany match will go.
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