WORLD CUP NEWS - Keep Posting + Discussing - Page 3

Germany coach Joachim Low has warned hosts Brazil that his side will mean business when the teams meet in the World Cup semi-final, proclaiming: "We're not done yet." The Germans will be bidding to reach their first FIFA World Cup final since 2002 - when they were beaten by Brazil - in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

At the same time, they will be hoping to avoid a hat-trick of consecutive semi-final disappointments by taking the penultimate step towards their first major title since Euro '96. "We've been in at least the semi-finals of the last four World Cups and that just shows that we've been playing consistently at the very highest level," Low said in an interview with the German Football Association (DFB).

"This is a highlight now; it's something special and amazing. I'm looking forward to it so much, and everybody in the squad is too. I think all Germans are also, and one thing's for sure - we desperately want to play in the Maracana in Rio again. On 13 July. We're not done yet."

One of the pre-tournament favourites, Germany have lived up to their billing and - apart from a few hairy moments against Algeria - have rarely looked in any danger. Their biggest test is about to come, though. "We all know how strong Brazil are," Low said. "They were the big favourites right from the start and the players have mostly coped with this role outstandingly.

"They underlined at the Confederations Cup last year that the expectation levels lift them further and the pressure doesn't numb them. What they've done is good for the whole tournament; it's good when the hosts go so far, but we're self-confident and we've gelled more as the tournament has progressed. We'll devise a good plan and give Brazil a real fight. The chances are even and it's going to come down to something really minor, who reaches the final."

It's really bitter and hugely unfortunate that he's going to miss out - for him, for his team and for the whole nation.

Germany coach Joachim Low on Brazil's Neymar

Brazil's hopes suffered a setback with the loss of Neymar through injury and Thiago Silva to suspension. Low regrets the fact that they will not be playing, even though their presence may have made life a little harder for his team. "You always want to see the best players in action at a World Cup, and the players always want to measure themselves up to the very best," Low said. "It's a pity that Brazil have to play without two of their best, but they will be able to cover for them.

"I'm incredibly sorry for Neymar. He's an amazing footballer and it's really bitter and hugely unfortunate that he's going to miss out - for him, for his team and for the whole nation. I hope he recovers and is playing again as quickly as possible and that he can deal with this setback positively."

Low has no such selection problems with only Shkodran Mustafi unavailable, yet he still does not seem to have found his first-choice starting XI. Philipp Lahm moved back to right-back in the quarter-final against France with Miroslav Klose making his first start up front, where Thomas Muller had previously been first choice. Mesut Ozil has struggled to deliver while Lukas Podolski no longer seems to figure in Low's plans.

"Sometimes I just have to follow my intuition," Low said. "Of course, I talk to the players too, and my coaching team. But, you know what? In the end, I make the decisions."

Rio de Janeiro: The referee who failed to see Luis Suarez bite an opponent has been picked to officiate Brazil's World Cup semifinal against Germany. (Also read: Hard dose of reality impinges on Brazil's fairytale victory)

FIFA says on its website that Marco Rodriguez of Mexico will referee the match in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

Rodriguez has handled two World Cup matches, including Uruguay's 1-0 win against Italy on June 24.

Suarez's bite of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder went unseen and unpunished by the Mexican match officials. FIFA later banned Suarez for nine international matches and four months from all football activity. He has appealed.

Earlier, Rodriquez showed Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio a red card for a serious foul.

FIFA says Mark Geiger of the United States will be fourth official for the match. He was also fourth official for Uruguay vs Italy.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano, regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, has died.

The 88-year-old suffered a heart attack on Saturday and had been in an induced coma in Madrid's Gregorio Maranon hospital.

Real Madrid confirmed the news, saying Di Stefano, their honorary president, died at 1715 CET (1615 BST).

A forward, he won five straight European Cups, scoring in each final between 1956 and 1960.

Sir Bobby Charlton, who played against him for Manchester United, paid tribute.

"I think Alfredo Di Stefano was one of the best players I ever came across and an extremely intelligent footballer," said the former England international.

"He was somebody I really respected, having watched him from the stands at the Bernabeu and then played against him. I have many fond memories of my time with Alfredo and feel privileged to be able to call him a good friend.

"The footballing world has lost a great player and a great man."