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The Selecao icon is hopeful the team can progress to the semi-finals although he admits it will be tough, and also believes his country will meet Germany if they do conquer France
Brazil legend Ronaldo has admitted he is “not sure” if the Selecao will be able to overcome Colombia in Fortaleza on Friday.
The Selecao will need to defeat an impressive Cafeteros side in the World Cup quarter-finals to keep their hopes of winning a sixth title alive.
Jose Pekerman’s side were one of only three teams who progressed from the second round in normal time with Brazil requiring extra time and penalties to defeat Chile.
World Cup winner Ronaldo is hopeful that Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men can beat Colombia in Fortaleza but the 37-year-old is remaining cautious.
"We Brazilians are resigned to suffer a lot, as against Chile, because Colombia play really well and they’ve revealed in the course of the tournament the talent of James Rodriguez,” Ronaldo told Gazetta dello Sport.
“He is a very special boy. Of course I hope we will be successful, and I have a fair amount of confidence. But I'm not sure.”
One of the players who has made the difference for the Selecao so far in the World Cup has been Neymar.
The 22-year-old Barcelona forward has scored four goals in the competition, one behind James, and has seemingly handled the pressure of steering Brazil through the tournament with ease.
Ronaldo has praised Neymar for dealing with the expectations thrust on his shoulders by the fans so well and believes he could fire Brazil past Colombia.
"He has responded very positively to the expectation. He has the character to be a great champion - not just the technical skills that we already know about.
“Tonight, the whole world will be watching the game, yet he is quiet, almost relaxed. Let's face it: until this time he and [Lionel] Messi have been crucial because Brazil and Argentina are not exceptional as a whole, but they’ve gone forward."
On a possible Brazil-Argentina final, Ronaldo said: "It would be an amazing gift in the history of football, because so far there has never been [this final] and you would not find a better place to celebrate than in the Maracana. But the road is still long.”
The other quarter-final clash on Friday will be played out between France and Germany in Rio de Janeiro.
Ronaldo believes that Joachim Low’s team will triumph at the Maracana and hopes that striker Miroslav Klose will score and surpass his own record as the all-time leading goalscorer at World Cup finals.
"These are two teams that in four matches played very well collectively,” he said.
“It is a World Cup classic. I see Germany as the favourites, also because they have Miroslav Klose in their squad, who has joined the club of 15 World Cup goals."
Luiz: Brazil not winning the World Cup will be a failure
By Vaishali Bhardwaj
Jul 4, 2014 1:04:00 PM
The defender understands the expectations on the Selecao players but says the team are focused on claiming the trophy for the fans
David Luiz has admitted that if Brazil do not win the World Cup on home turf it will be considered a failure.
The Selecao are under pressure to win a record sixth title in front of their fans this summer, with Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team having already progressed to the quarter-final stage of the competition.
Brazil will have to beat an impressive Colombia side in Fortaleza on Friday if they want to book their place in the semi-finals but Luiz says the players will deliver for the fans.
When asked about the expectations on the team at the World Cup, Luiz told The Times of India: “We need to win, that's our life. All the Brazilian people are expecting it; we have to deliver.
“But, we have a manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has won it and done it before and that helps. He has been fantastic for us.”
Brazil had to overcome a tough last-16 tie against Chile, which the Selecao won on penalties, to reach the quarter-finals.
The team has been criticised for their lack of flair in comparison to previous Brazil sides, but Luiz arugued that what the squad lacked in firepower in the attacking areas, they made up for in defence.
“I know what everyone used to say - that all Brazilians want to be Pele or Zico and don't think about defending or about tactics,” the centre-back said.
“But, world football has changed because many Brazilian players are now playing in Europe. These guys are used to different formations, different styles.
“There are many, many names of top quality in our defence now, and it means Brazil are no longer known just for their strikers but for being a great team.”
Luiz endured a difficult season at Chelsea last year with the 27-year-old not being part of manager Jose Mourinho's first-choice central defensive pairing.
Despite his form for his club side last term, the defender admitted that he was grateful to have been called up to represent Brazil at the World Cup by Scolari.
"It made me think back to when I was a boy, dreaming of playing in the World Cup” he said.
“I'm just so happy that my dream came true and I have to say 'thank you' to so many people who helped me in my career.”
Luiz will be playing for French champions Paris Saint-Germain next season after Chelsea agreed a £40m fee with the Ligue 1 side.
And the Brazilian has revealed his happiness at the move to France and is confident his compatriots at the club will help him fit in.
“Right from the very first contact I had with Paris Saint-Germain, I was very happy,” he said.
“It's a big club with a great history and [is] a huge project. It has fantastic facilities and a lot of supporters.
“It's a new step in my life and I'm impatient to play for Paris and show what I can do. I also can't wait to play with my new team-mates - the Brazilians, of course - but also everybody else.”
He added: “The fact that so many Brazilians already play for Paris Saint-Germain will be a big help, without doubt.”
Time is running out for Klose, Lahm and Schweini to deliver on biggest stage
Jul 4, 2014 8:19:00 AM
Joachim Low's side have fallen short of winning a host of tournaments over the past decade but must triumph in Brazil or risk sullying their own legacies
By Enis Koylu
For almost a decade now, German football has reinvented itself with an exciting array of classy players and talented youngsters. The Bundesliga brand has grown and grown and, yet, Bayern Munich’s 2013 Champions League win remains its only triumph of global significance.
There’s little doubting that what the German Football Federation has done in recent years is admirable. In a response to the failures of the European Championships of 2000 and 2004, further emphasis was put on clubs bringing through youngsters who have been brought up playing attacking football.
But the first generation to benefit from the change of approach could be remembered as one of lovable losers, nearly-men who never quite managed to clear the final hurdle.
Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm can rightly consider themselves to be among the finest players ever to represent their country. Both have racked up over a century of caps during their time as mainstays of the first XI, starring in three World Cups and three European Championships.
Miroslav Klose, meanwhile, has claimed Gerd Muller’s long-standing record of goals for the national team in his 13 years as their premier striker and stands equal with Ronaldo on 15 World Cup goals. A true great of the game, yet, just like Lahm and Schweinsteiger, success has always eluded him.
Since they hosted the World Cup on home soil eight years ago, Germany have made a habit of dazzling everyone in the early stages, but freezing when the tournament comes towards its conclusion.
Past, present & future | Klose celebrates with Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller
Klose cruised his way to the Golden Boot in 2006 but found himself incapable of getting past Italy’s firm defence in the semi-finals, the Azzurri scoring twice at the death to silence the Westfalenstadion.
They went one better at Euro 2008, dispatching Portugal and Turkey in thrilling contests in the last eight and last four respectively, but fell at the final hurdle to Spain.
It was the same opponents who knocked them out of the World Cup two years later in the semis after they had played some of the most expansive, enthralling football the tournament had seen.
With their players two years older and wiser, they were backed by many to win Euro 2012 but once again, the penultimate round proved impossible to negotiate, Italy knocking them out in typical fashion.
Germany were always famed for their steely mentality, able to win at all costs, and the new generation, though excellent players in their own right, have yet to show that they can match their predecessors.
Even Bayern’s Champions League triumph was at the third attempt in four years, including a disappointing loss to an inferior Chelsea team on home soil.
But they are quickly running out of chances. Klose is now 36 and has been vocal in his desire to bow out of the international game at the conclusion of the current World Cup. It would be ridiculous if Germany’s best-ever scorer and the joint best marksman in the tournament’s history never won the trophy.
As for Schweinsteiger, injuries have hindered his career in the last few years. Now approaching 30, time is catching up on him and this may well be his last run at the World Cup, while Lahm’s pace will desert him as time goes by.
The younger contingent of the squad will have other chances; the likes of Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller have immense talent and the scope to go to the very top of the game. But they will be doing their older colleagues a disservice if they do not do their utmost to deliver now.
Friday’s quarter-final with France is the next step in the path to the final and the time has come to perform. They have had a mixed tournament so far but have shown they are capable of raising their game when they need to. History is there for the making.
The Chelsea midfielder insists that his compatriots know their strengths but recognises the need for the team to improve against Les Bleus
Andre Schurrle has admitted that France will provide a tough test for Germany but insists that his team-mates are confident of their abilities.
Joachim Low’s side will play Les Bleus in Rio de Janeiro on Friday with a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup at stake.
Didier Deschamps’ men have impressed in the tournament so far with striker Karim Benzema coming to form and scoring three goals for his team.
Schurrle – who scored the opening goal in Germany’s extra-time win against Algeria in the second round – recognises France's strengths but says his compatriots are not scared of their opponents.
“France have some fantastic individual players like [Paul] Pogba, [Karim] Benzema and [Mathieu] Valbuena,” the 23-year-old told FIFA’s official website.
“They have a lot of quality and can create goals from any situation. We know their strengths, but we also know ours.”
The Chelsea midfielder played just 28 minutes in Germany’s three group games in the tournament but is hopeful that he will start on the left wing against France in Rio.
“It’s a childhood dream to be at a World Cup here in Brazil,” he said.
“Now we’ve got to show what we’re made of against France in the quarter-final. Anyone would love to be part of a match like that.
“My chances of starting the match on Friday definitely haven’t worsened [since he scored against Algeria].”
Despite having reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, Low’s men have received criticism after they failed to beat Algeria in 90 minutes in the last-16 tie last week.
Schurrle admitted that Die Mannschaft did not play well enough in Porto Alegre but knows that only an improved performance against Deschamps' men will see Germany reach the semi-finals of the competition.
“Against France we’ve got to perform better,” Schurrle said.
“We’ve just got to concentrate and play well. If we can do that, we can beat the French too.”
Schweinsteiger: Germany need to be alert against France
By Vaishali Bhardwaj
Jul 4, 2014 10:19:00 AM
The 29-year-old is wary of the threat that Bleus striker Karim Benzema will pose but insists that Die Mannschaft are a better side now than previously
Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has warned his team-mates to be alert if they want to beat France in their World Cup quarter-final clash on Friday.
The two sides will be looking to book their place in the semi-finals of the tournament when they meet in Rio de Janeiro with France arguably having been the more impressive of the two sides so far in Brazil.
Didier Deschamps’s team were one of the few teams who secured victory in 90 minutes in the second round, with Joachim Low’s men requiring extra-time to defeat a stubborn Algeria side.
Despite Germany’s route to the quarter-finals, Schweinsteiger has admitted that he is looking forward to playing a “strong” Bleus team, although he is wary of the threat of striker Karim Benzema, who has three goals to his name so far in the tournament.
“When two former World Champions meet in the World Cup quarters, it's bound to be a tough game. But that's the beauty of this tournament. As you advance to the later stages, there will be matches like this,” Schweinsteiger told The Times of India.
“They [France] have a strong side and more importantly, they are playing very well. In the round of 16, where almost every match went to extra-time, only Colombia, Netherlands, and France won their matches within 90 minutes.
“We have to be alert since they are playing free-flowing football with Karim Benzema in tremendous form.”
Should Germany overcome France at the Maracana, Low’s side will play the winner of Brazil’s clash against Colombia in the next round.
However, Schweinsteiger has talked down the prospect of facing the hosts in the semi-finals, although if it were to happen, the Bayern Munich man understands that the match would not be an easy contest.
When asked if it would be tough to play Brazil in the semi-finals, he said: “I cannot comment on that since we are yet to play our quarter-final first.
“It is impossible to take anything for granted. We had real tough matches in the group stage and then against Algeria we had to win it in extra-time.
“I do not understand how people could say that the match would be easy for the Germans. Easy matches just do not exist in World Cup.”
He added: "We are a more confident side now [than in the past]. In football, you cannot predict anything but we shall try our best to be ready for every situation now.”
Not winning the World Cup would be failure, claims Kroos
By Greg Stobart at Estadio Maracana
Jul 3, 2014 9:21:00 PM
The midfielder believes anything other than a fourth World Cup triumph would be considered "defeat" as they prepare to face France in the quarter-finals on Friday
Toni Kroos believes anything other than winning the World Cup would constitute failure for Germany this summer.
The three-time world champions are preparing for their quarter-final clash against France at the Maracana on Friday on the back of an unconvincing victory over Algeria after extra-time in the last 16.
Kroos, however, says that winning the World Cup is the only option for Germany such is the level of expectation in the country.
"The pressure is there because we have good players and a top team capable of great things," Kroos said in his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
"Expectation is running high because people want us to win the title. Anything else would be a defeat.
"France is a team on the very top. We know what is coming our way, we know that they have top players. They have performed as a team, which perhaps was not always the case before.
"It's important for us to keep the ball and win individual duels. If we perform our best then I believe we are the better team. We have to show it."
Kroos also backed under-fire team-mate Mesut Ozil and believes the Arsenal man will show his match-winning qualities in the remainder of the tournament.
Kroos added: "[Ozil] has shown in this tournament his qualities to be decisive in a match, regardless of where he plays. I think these knockout matches will show how important he is to the team."
Vlaar warns Netherlands: Costa Rica clash will not be easy
By Mark Doyle
Jul 4, 2014 1:24:00 AM
The Aston Villa centre-half is not making the mistake of underestimating a side that topped a group containing three former world champions in Italy, Uruguay and England
Ron Vlaar has dismissed the notion that Saturday's World Cup quarter-final clash with Costa Rica will be an easy game for Netherlands.
Having won every game that they have played in Brazil so far, the Dutch are heavy favourites to overcome a side that has reached the last eight for the first time.
However, Vlaar is wary of the threat posed by Costa Rica, who topped a group containing three former world champions in Italy, Uruguay and England before edging out Euro 2004 winners Greece on penalties in the second round.
"These games don't come easier," the Aston Villa defender told his club's official website. "There are no easy games.
"Costa Rica beat Uruguay and Italy and then drew against England. Then they beat Greece.
"It will be another hard game again - but we are really looking forward to it. It's a great challenge again."
Vlaar admitted, though, that the Dutch, who routed Spain 5-1 in their tournament opener, are brimming with confidence ahead of their meeting with Costa Rica in Salvador.
"The mood in camp is great," the centre-half enthused. "It's been brilliant so far. We have won all of our games so it's so far, so good.
"I am really looking forward to the game on Saturday. It's another great challenge - another good game against good opposition - and we want to get through.
"Results help, of course, especially when you beat the world champions [Spain] 5-1. We are really focused. We are training very hard. The feeling in the group is very good.
"Everyone is together - we are all in it together. You can see that in the games."
Russian FA rules out sacking Capello after World Cup woe
By Mark Doyle
Jul 4, 2014 12:07:00 AM
Nikolai Tolstikh has voiced his support for the Italian coach, who is under contract until 2018, despite the country's first-round elimination in Brazil
The president of the Russian Football Union (RFU) has rubbished the suggestion that Fabio Capello should be fired because of the national team's disappointing World Cup campaign.
The Italian coach, who is under contract until 2018, has come in for some heavy criticism after the Russia bowed out at the group stage in Brazil, having been pipped to second place in Group H by Algeria.
Some members of the Russian parliament even called for Capello to be dismissed but Nikolai Tolstikh is standing by his man.
"In September our team will participate in qualification for the [2016] European Championship, without forgetting preparations for our home World Cup [in 2018]," the RFU president stated.
"The criticism and analysis is normal, but we need to focus on the improvement of the play of our team, so we need to be constructive.
"When we talk about the length of Capello’s contract, there are no termination clauses. Now we need to talk about something else."
Uruguayan Football Association launch appeal with Fifa in bid to reduce Luis Suárez ban
The Uruguayan Football Association has launched an appeal with Fifa as they seek to reduce Luis Suárez's four-month ban from football
Punished: Uruguay and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was banned from football for four months for his bite on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini Photo: REUTERS
By Mark Ogden
11:06PM BST 03 Jul 2014
The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) has lodged an appeal with Fifa in an effort to reduce Luis Suárez’s worldwide suspension for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Liverpool forward Suárez, the subject of growing interest from Barcelona, was banned for nine international matches and issued with a four-month ban from all football-related activity following the incident during Uruguay’s World Cup Group D victory in Natal last week.
And having considered its position in the wake of the Fifa suspension, the AUF has now submitted an appeal with the governing body.
“This is still an ongoing case and an appeal has been filed,” said Claudio Sulser, the head of Fifa’s disciplinary committee.
When asked about the prospects of Uruguay’s appeal being successful, Sulser offered little encouragement for Suárez or Liverpool.
“When the committee was analysing this case, one thing I mentioned in my capacity as the chairman is we don’t need to impose an exemplary sanction,” Sulser said. “We need to have justice and reached the sanction in a very severe case.
“It’s a sanction against the player. That is the risk if you are a player and you are sanctioned at the World Cup.
“I agree with you it is a problem for Liverpool, but the sanction is in the disciplinary regulations.”
Having initially offered the defence of having “lost my balance and falling on top of my opponent”, Suárez has since issued an apology to Chiellini for the incident which left teeth marks visible in the Juventus defender’s shoulder.
France 0-1 Germany: Hummels breaks French hearts to seal semi-final berth
Jul 4, 2014 6:54:00 PM
The centre-back scored his second goal of the tournament to send Joachim Low's men into the last four
A first half header from Mats Hummels fired Germany into the semi-finals of the World Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over France.
The Borussia Dortmund defender missed the last-16 victory over Algeria as a result of flu-like symptoms, with the bug having also affected a number of the squad in the build-up to Friday's game.
Hummels, however, showed now ill-effects of any sickness in the 12th minute, rising highest to head home Toni Kroos' free-kick from the left and hand Germany victory at the Maracana.
Such consistent performers throughout World Cup history with seven final appearances, Germany once again showed their ability to grind out results in major tournaments as they successfully stifled France, though Karim Benzema came close to a leveller late on, only to be denied by Manuel Neuer.
For Didier Deschamps' men, a competition that had promised so much after the group-stage thumpings of Honduras and Switzerland ended in disappointment, as France failed to gain revenge for semi-final defeats to West Germany at the 1982 and 1986 editions.
Germany made the better start, but it was France who had the first effort on goal in the seventh minute when Benzema volleyed Mathieu Valbuena's chipped pass narrowly wide.
Hummels made France pay for that miss five minutes later when he broke the deadlock with his second goal of the 2014 World Cup. The defender beat Raphael Varane to Kroos' set-piece and sent a glancing header in off the underside of the crossbar.
Twice Germany had appeals for penalties waved away, claiming fouls by Mathieu Debuchy on Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller, but on each occasion referee Nestor Pitana signalled for play to continue.
Neuer was finally called into action for the first time 11 minutes before the break, and reacted brilliantly to keep out Valbuena's left-footed volley, before Hummels deflected Benzema's rebound over the bar.
The striker continued to threaten as half-time approached, seeing his header blocked by the body of Hummels and then firing a strike straight at Neuer after cutting in from the left shortly afterwards.
France cautiously pressed for an equaliser after the break, but Varane's header from Valbuena's right-wing cross on the hour-mark was comfortable for the goalkeeper.
Muller almost put the result beyond doubt nine minutes later, but his shot from an angle was deflected narrowly wide by Mamadou Sakho, although the officials failed to spot the deviation and awarded a goal-kick.
Andre Schurrle replaced Klose - who is still in search of the goal that will see him become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer outright - and tested Hugo Lloris with a low drive that the Tottenham man was equal to.
Benzema worked some space inside the area with 14 minutes to play, but once again Hummels was there to block and Neuer parried away Blaise Matuidi's effort from a tight angle.
With France forced to push men forward, they left themselves vulnerable on the break and Lloris saved well from Schurrle, who ought to have done better eight minutes from time.
Neuer then palmed away Benzema's angled drive late on as Germany held on to seal yet another semi-final berth and send France crashing out.
Brazil 2-1 Colombia: David Luiz wonderstrike sends hosts through as Neymar is stretchered off
Jul 4, 2014 10:56:00 PM
The defender lashed home a stunning free kick after Thiago Silva's early goal, with James Rodriguez scoring a penalty before the Barcelona star was forced off in the dying minutes
A wonderstrike from David Luiz helped Brazil to a 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Colombia - but star forward Neymar was stretchered off in the closing minutes.
Tipped by some to exit against a side who have been the talk of the tournament, Luiz Felipe Scolari's men progressed thanks to goals from Thiago Silva and his defensive partner in Fortaleza, the latter a superb 30-yard free kick.
Man-of-the-moment James Rodriguez pulled one back from the spot for Colombia in the 80th minute, yet Brazil held on to book a semi-final meeting with Germany.
However, Brazil will head into the last four with a series of worries, most notably the suspension of Silva and an injury to star man Neymar.
Silva picked up a needless yellow card in the second period, while Neymar was carried off on a stretcher late on to put a dark cloud over Brazil's win.
The duo's potential absences, combined with another workmanlike showing, will do little to dispel claims from the likes of Diego Maradona that Brazil are not good enough to win the tournament.
Much had been made of Brazil's perceived mental frailties ahead of the match, with players coming under fire for crying during renditions of the national anthem and Scolari's decision to call in a sports psychologist grabbing headlines.
Despite such scrutiny, the hosts made a flying start to surge ahead after seven minutes.
Silva was the hero, silencing his critics by sneaking behind Carlos Sanchez and kneeing home at the back post from close range after Colombia fatally failed to clear Neymar's corner.
Behind for the first time in the competition, Colombia found an immediate response as Juan Cuadrado's effort was deflected just wide.
Yet it was still Brazil looking the more purposeful, Hulk twice forcing good stops from David Ospina.
Colombia wasted a James-led four-on-two counterattack in between those saves, with the game's end-to-end nature making for a thrilling spectacle.
The second period did not assume the same pace, Jose Pekerman's side failing to find the fluency that has been their calling card.
Indeed, the biggest moment of those exchanges came when Silva collided with Ospina as the Colombia shot-stopper attempted to kick from his hands, the subsequent yellow card ruling him out of the next phase.
With chances few and far between, it took a moment of brilliance from Luiz to leave Brazil on the brink of the last four after 69 minutes.
James, so often Colombia's star, crucially brought down Hulk 30 yards from goal, paving the way for Luiz to send a stunning strike beyond Ospina.
But just when it seemed a nation could calm down, there was a twist in the tail when Julio Cesar felled Carlos Bacca in the area.
The goalkeeper was fortunate not to be shown a red, although that had little impact on tournament top-scorer James - who continued his record of scoring in every game when he coolly sent Cesar the wrong way.
As if the tension was not palpable enough, many in attendance were left with heads in hands late on as Neymar was taken from the field after being caught by Zuniga in the dying minutes.
Brazil defended defiantly during injury time to seal their semi-final spot against Germany and continue their quest for a sixth world title.
By Jon Fisher at the Maracana
Jul 4, 2014 10:00:00 PM
They may not have been at their best against France but the 54-year-old was pleased with how his players adapted to an altered line-up
Germany boss Joachim Low believes his side’s tactical flexibility will be an advantage heading into the World Cup semi-finals – although he maintains the South American teams should be considered tournament favourites due to the conditions.
Germany eased into the last four with a 1-0 defeat of France in Rio on Friday with Low opting to shuffle his pack to include centre-forward Miroslav Klose and shift captain Philipp Lahm to his more accustomed full-back slot.
It was hard to gauge the impact of the changes in a tight game which was settled by Mats Hummels' early header, but Low was pleased to have options at his disposal.
He said: "Both teams showed a great performance on the defensive side. There were not lots of goalscoring opportunities. We were always trying to push the opponents, always stepping on their toes and we were able to control the danger posed by [Karim] Benzema.
"When we analysed France we knew they had two big central defenders and with [Yohan] Cabaye and [Paul] Pogba in midfield we knew it was difficult to go through the middle so I decided to use the sides. That's why I played Lahm down the wings.
"The players are always informed of what I have in mind and there are conversations with them. It is no surprise for them, we have played this way before.
"This is one of our tactical strengths in that we can play different ways. Against Algeria it was one specific formation, today it was another with Klose in attack and trying to keep the two full-backs busy. France have many players through the middle so we had to play wide and Lahm is very good at that."
Playing Lahm at right-back meant Jerome Boateng moved into the centre at the expense of Per Mertesacker.
In explaining the decision, Low said: "To use Boateng and Hummels was for tactical reasons as I have seen [Mathieu] Valbuena and [Antoine] Griezmann play and they will always have great speed going forward. I thought Jerome and Mats could solve that problem.
"I spoke with Per last night and he showed a terrific reaction."
The win means Germany have now qualified for the semi-finals at the last four World Cups but Low believes the conditions hand the South American teams an edge.
He added: "I think the Latin American teams have a home advantage, you can't deny that. In 2006 in Germany we had three or four semi-finalists from Europe. Now the South Americans are fighting for their lives. They know the climate and they have an advantage being on their home turf.
"It is not easy for us Europeans with 1pm kick-offs. It was extremely hot, you can hardly breathe. It is difficult to try to keep control of the match, to maintain the level of concentration and then you make mistakes. The next match will be at 5pm and the sun will be lower."
Although Hummels was named Man of the Match, Germany were still indebted to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for some vital saves, particulary during the closing minutes, and Low believes the Bayern Munich man is among the best in the world.
"The confidence in Manuel Neuer does not just come from me or the staff, he has the confidence of the whole team. It's a really great feeling for the defenders knowing he is very good in the box and good outside the box. He is a great football player, you can pass balls to him like a defender," he added.
"Since 2010 he has possibly been the best in the world, he is so cool and calm and this gives the other players confidence."
Deschamps looks at the positives despite 'frustrating' World Cup exit
By Jon Fisher at the Maracana
Jul 4, 2014 9:24:00 PM
The 1998 winner refused to be too downbeat despite les Bleus' 1-0 defeat at the hands of Germany
Didier Deschamps is confident France can continue to make positive strides despite their disappointing World Cup exit on Friday.
Les Bleus crashed out at the quarter-final stage following a 1-0 defeat to Germany, with Mats Hummels scoring the only goal with a 13th-minute header.
It may have been a different story had Karim Benzema not squandered numerous half-chances, leaving Deschamps to reflect on what might have been.
"It was a high-level game. Germany are a more experienced team and they scored early from a set-piece. We were timid early but created some interesting situations but were not efficient," he said.
"Towards the end we were exposed and they could have scored a second. The players are frustrated."
Deschamps has no intention of quitting his post, however, and confirmed he would stay on to build for the European Championship on home soil in two years' time.
"I definitely hope so, the squad was born during the return leg (of the play-off) against Ukraine and during the warm-up games we did well," he added.
"We are not as experienced as Germany but I am proud of what we have done on the pitch and behind the scenes. I know I have a lot of work to do but it's promising. We would love to keep the momentum and keep the quality of the team. Although I'm disappointed there are a lot of positive things happening with this team.
"Everyone was sad and frustrated afterwards and I can't get that away from that as I feel the same way. But let's not forget what we have done. We wanted to go further but I don't think there was a huge gap between the sides."
Deschamps, a World Cup winner as a player in 1998, refused to criticise Benzema but admitted his side were not clinical enough in front of goal.
"Sometimes you need a bit of luck on your side, or to be a bit faster," he said. "Also [Germany goalkeeper Manuel] Neuer made some good saves. This is the highest level of football, we had chances, but unfortunately we were not as efficient or as lucky as we could have been.
"Karim had one or two chances. He didn't score but I don't think he needed much, that little bit extra you need to score a goal was not on our side."
Benzema flops on the big stage & shows why Real Madrid need Falcao
By Greg Stobart at the Maracana
Jul 4, 2014 7:00:00 PM
COMMENT: The forward performed poorly as France were knocked out of the World Cup with a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the quarter-final at the Maracana on Friday
When Karim Benzema smashed two goals against Honduras in France’s World Cup opener, it looked like he had answered the many critics who questioned before the tournament whether he should even start for the national team.
He followed it up with a goal against Switzerland and it felt as though the striker was finally reproducing on the big stage the club form that saw him score 24 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid in 2013-14.
But as les Blues were knocked out of the World Cup by Germany at the quarter-final stage here, Benzema went into hiding.
It's one thing doing it against relative minnows, but quite another to lead an attack against world-class opposition. Benzema could not as Mat Hummels' first-half header booked Germany their fourth World Cup semi-final place in a row.
His performance also summed up why Real Madrid are pushing ahead with a deal to sign Radamel Falcao.
As Barcelona close in on a top quality striker with an €88 million deal for Luis Suarez, their great rivals need to respond in kind.
Benzema is a very good player and scored plenty of goals last season alongside Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, but he is not in that stellar bracket.
His performance against Germany provided further proof, if Madrid executives needed it.
After a poor display in the last-16 victory over Nigeria, the 26-year-old again ambled through the game looking disinterested for most of the 90 minutes.
Talk in the build-up to the match centred around the famous semi-final clash between the teams in 1982, one of the best in the tournament's history as Germany won on penalties following a 3-3 draw in which Harald Schumacher brutally took out Patrick Battiston.
This could hardly have been more different. It was tame, sterile, almost boring. And Benzema encapsulated France's meek surrender with a display that harked back to the qualifying campaign when people felt he should only be a substitute behind Olivier Giroud.
Hummels was supposed to be ill, one of seven Germany players struck by flu-like symptoms, but produced an utterly dominant performance against the former Lyon man.
Not that it was too difficult as Benzema barely made an attempt to get away from the German centre-backs and fluffed his lines when chances did fall to him.
In a tight quarter-final against one of the tournament favourites, you have to be ruthless. Benzema wasn't and isn't.
In the seventh minute, Mathieu Valbuena chipped the ball towards the France No. 10, but the volley from 12 yards went well wide of the near post.
Later in the opening period, the ball fell for Benzema after Manuel Neuer had made a superb save to deny Valbuena. In the six-yard box with the ball popping up, it was the kind of chance that Falcao or Suarez would pounce on, but Benzema could not co-ordinate his body quick enough and his rebound was blocked by Mats Hummels.
A few minutes later, Benzema did well to work space to shoot in the box but fired tamely straight at Neuer.
And when France were staring at elimination, their star striker offered virtually nothing in the second-half until he came alive to force Neuer into a sharp save in the dying moments.
It was not enough for France. And it may not be enough for Madrid for much longer.
The defender picked up a yellow card for a block on Colombia keeper David Ospina, ruling him out of the last four tie with Germany
Thiago Silva will miss the World Cup semi-final against Germany after picking up a booking in the 2-1 win against Colombia.
The Selecao captain was shown a needless yellow card for a foul on David Ospina in the 64th minute which, coupled with the one he picked up in their round of 16 match against Chile, will rule him out of Tuesday's showdown.
Silva charged towards the keeper, who had just collected a Neymar free-kick, and blocked him as he attempted to clear the ball from danger.
Dante is likely to be his replacement at the back, with the Bayern Munich defender the most experienced option off the bench.
Napoli's Henrique could also get a look from coach Luis Felipe Scolari, but a meagre five caps could prove to be a bit of a risk against a formidable Germany side.
The Barcelona forward is headed down the tunnel, causing for some anxious moments for Brazilian fans in Fortaleza
Brazil have been dealt a serious blow after Neymar was stretchered off in the closing minutes of the World Cup quarter-final with Colombia.
The Barcelona forward has been taken directly to a nearby hospital for x-rays and further testing.
The 22-year-old had a coming together with Juan Zuniga and appeared to take a knee in the back, and as the medical staff came out to attend to the forward, they came to the decision to stretcher him off the field.
It could be a matter of precaution from the trainers, who took him straight down the tunnel and into the locker room for further examination.
Neymar has four goals through five matches, tying him for second most in the tournament, and at 53 caps he is the third most experienced outfield player on Brazil's 23-man roster.
With captain Thiago Silva already suspended for the semi-final against Germany, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari can not afford to lose the services of his leading scorer.
Costa Rica coach urges Fifa and officials: Watch out for Robben diving
By Mark Doyle in Salvador
Jul 4, 2014 7:59:00 PM
The Dutch winger admitted that he was guilty of simulation in his country's win over Mexico and the Ticos coach is "very worried" about a repeat performance at Arena Fonte Nova
Costa Rica boss Jorge Luis Pinto has pleaded with the match officials and Fifa to "watch out" for Arjen Robben's "diving" in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final clash with Netherlands in Salvador.
The Dutch winger caused controversy by admitting that he had been guilty of simulation in his country's last-16 win over Mexico, although he denied having gone to ground of his own accord for the penalty that decided the game.
Pinto, therefore, is extremely concerned by the prospect of Robben's alleged theatrics having an influence on the outcome of his side's meeting with Louis van Gaal's side at Arena Fonte Nova.
"This is one of the most important questions in the World Cup: diving," he told reporters in Salvador on Friday. "We're really worried about it. I would like the referee and Fifa to watch Robben closely.
"He's one of the three or four best players in the world. I have a website and I analysed him as a player on it; he's amazing.
"But we have to say that there have been mistakes in this World Cup and we're really worried about Robben's diving, which he admitted. He admitted it!
"So I hope that the officials are very careful tomorrow [Saturday]. I urge them to watch out.
"We hope that there are no mistakes so, please, I would like to ask Fifa and the officials to watch out and be careful. This is very important and could have a big impact on the result."
Pinto was asked if he would like to see Robben immediately booked if he is deemed guilty of simulation early on in the game, so as to act as a deterrent to any other diving.
"That would be the most logical conclusion," he reasoned. "Maybe he would have to leave the field for diving twice. That could happen.
"But you know what? I want to trust the referee, so let's just hope nothing happens."
Uzbekistan's Ravshan Irmatov will be the man in the middle of Saturday's last-eight encounter in Salvador, which is scheduled to kick off at 22:00CET.
Acosta: Costa Rica not scared of Netherlands at all
By Mark Doyle in Salvador
Jul 4, 2014 9:11:00 PM
The centre-half is aware that Louis van Gaal's men are a great threat on the break but sees no reason why los Ticos should fear their World Cup 2014 quarter-final opponents
Johnny Acosta insists Costa Rica are not at all scared of Netherlands, claiming that they will not make the same mistake Spain made against the Dutch by leaving themselves open to rapid counterattacks.
The Dutch kicked off their World Cup campaign by routing the reigning champions 5-1 in Salvador, with Arjen Robben and Co. repeatedly hitting Vicente del Bosque's men on the break to devastating effect.
However, Acosta said that they will not be as susceptible to Netherlands' ability to turn defence into attack when they meet in the quarter-final.
"We're not scared of them at all," the centre-half told reporters at Arena Fonte Nova on Friday. "In Costa Rica we always say that worse things happen at sea, so we're not worried.
"Many goals were scored against Spain because Netherlands' counterattacks were so strong and fast.
"[Spain] were not prepared for that but we are. We're not scared of anything or anyone.
"We're very motivated. We're very happy to be here and we want to continue writing history for our country.
"We're going to play a very difficult rival. We know that. But still, we keep calm. We keep focused.
"Either side could win. After 90 or 120 minutes we'll see what happens. Let's just hope the best team wins."
By Stefan Coerts in Brasilia
Jul 4, 2014 8:22:00 PM
The defender is optimistic about his side's chances in the quarter-finals, while Marc Wilmots has backed Eden Hazard in the wake of recent criticism
Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen has stressed that his side do not have to fear anyone ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against Argentina at Estadio Mane Garrincha on Saturday.
Head coach Marc Wilmots' men are seen as one of the outsiders to win the competition after wins over Algeria, Russia, South Korea and USA and Vertonghen is confident they can spring a surprise against the South Americans.
"We have been confident all tournament. We believe in ourselves. We are feeling strong physically and mentally. Belgium don't have to fear anyone," the Tottenham defender said at the pre-match press conference.
"We have all been looking forward to this tournament. It's all about games like this for us. But it doesn't have to stop here against Argentina.
"We want to put in a great fight and go even further. This is all a reward for our hard work."
Vertonghen went on hail Lionel Messi's form for Argentina at the World Cup but insisted that Belgium cannot afford to focus solely on the Barcelona man.
"Messi has been outstanding so far. He's obviously Argentina's main man. There are more players to watch, but he has been outstanding.
"I spoke with Dries Mertens about Gonzalo Higuain. He is a big fan of him and has warned us that he's a great player.
"And they have Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel Di Maria as well. We will have to be on top of our game."
Wilmots, meanwhile, believes that the match against Argentina will be decided by small details, but is confident Belgium will be up for the challenge.
"We are ready for Argentina. Everything is possible. Details will be decisive. The game could be decided by an individual action, by a minor mistake. I hope we make fewer mistakes than them.
"We don't feel any pressure. We are hungry for success. We have our own philosophy. We have a winning mentality.
"If we go out but put in a great performance and show what we're worth, we will still go home with a feeling of satisfaction."
The Belgium boss then went on to defend Eden Hazard in the wake of his relatively disappointing performances so far and stressed that the Chelsea man has been playing his part for the team.
"I don't think Eden has been lacking anything this World Cup compared to how he does at Chelsea. He's part of a team and works together with Jan Vertonghen down the left," he added.
"He's eager to learn and to make progress, but all as part of the team. It's not about individuals. We don't want to depend on one player."
Brazil’s Neymar is out of World Cup after breaking vertebra
• Striker injured after a barge from Colombia’s Juan Zuniga
• Thiago Silva is also out of semi-final after yellow card
Daniel Taylor in Fortaleza
The Guardian, Saturday 5 July 2014
Brazil's Neymar Brazil's Neymar grimaces in pain after a challenge by Colombia's Juan Zuniga put the striker out of the World Cup. Photograph: Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters
Brazil’s bid to win a sixth World Cup has suffered a devastating blow after Neymar was ruled out of the rest of the tournament after fracturing a bone in his back during the quarter-final victory against Colombia.
The Barcelona striker was taken off the pitch on a stretcher after taking a knee to the back from the Colombia defender Juan Zuniga late in the game.
He was taken to a private clinic in Fortaleza – “crying out in pain”, according to the Brazil manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, – where an X-ray revealed he had fractured one of his vertebrae.
Rodrigo Lasmar, the Brazil team doctor, said: “This news is not easy but he will not be available for the rest of the World Cup. Neymar has a broken vertebra. He will be out for four to six weeks.”
Zuniga defended the challenge, claiming he did not deliberately try to hurt Brazil’s talisman.
“It was a normal move” he said. “I never meant to hurt a player. I was on the field, playing for the shirt from my country, not without the intent to injure. I was just defending my shirt.”
Thiago Silva and David Luiz had scored the goals to set up a semi-final against Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday, but Neymar’s injury represents a grievous setback given his importance to the team and the absence of a ready-made replacement. He has been one of the stars of the tournament and a player the Brazil public regard as their best hope of victory.
Brazil will also have to do without Thiago Silva against Germany, ruled out after his second yellow card of the tournament, but it is the news about Neymar that will raise the most doubts about whether Scolari’s team have enough quality to go all the way.
Scolari had earlier held a press conference in which he ruled Neymar out of the Germany game but acknowledged that the news might be even worse.
“I don’t know,” he said to the question of how he could replace Neymar. “I’m going to have to study this. It depends how people recover. Neymar has gone to a clinic.
“He was crying out in pain and I can guarantee it’s going to be hard for him, from what the doctors are telling me, and from what I was seeing, with the pain he was in. He’s young, he has a lot of energy and he takes cares of himself. So let’s see. Let’s just hope it’s not a serious problem.”
Unfortunately for Brazil, the scan revealed the injury was worse than Brazil’s medical staff had initially feared. “He’s out of the competition,” David Luiz said. “He’s a great guy and now he’s out. Everyone feels sad.”
Maicon added: “We must give Neymar all our support. It is complicated now [for the team], at this stage of a World Cup.”
