Brazil vs. Germany, Alfredo di Stéfano Is Dead

Back to business today as Germany and Brazil clash at the Estadio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte (ESPN at 4pm EDT). Before we explode into that with previews aplenty, let's shed a tear and spare a moment for Alfredo di Stéfano, who died yesterday at the age of 88. Tim Vickery claims he's the most influential footballer ever. And the always reliable Louise Taylor has a nice article on a man who was ahead of his time. Meanwhile, Ben Lyttleton maintains that he was the foundation for Real Madrid's success. RIP di Stéfano.

"Now is the time on Sprockets when we dance."

Right. On to this afternoon's battle. Most of the staff at SSN Headquarters are in the German camp for this one. Brazil have been rough, petty, arrogant, and annoying. Bellicose. Here's your lot:

Brazil vs. Germany

Preview I

Preview II + Paul Merson's Prediction

Matchpack

Gabriele Marcotti: The mind games have begun

Paul Doyle: Five things to look out for 

Grant Wahl: Video Preview

Graham MacAree: Brazil's hopes rest on Oscar

Tim Vickery: How Brazil can shine without Neymar

Raphael Honigstein: Löw must fulfill the promise of Germany’s golden generation

Brian Straus: Brazil and Germany sacrifice style for success

50-50 Challenge

Six Players To Watch

Lawro's Semi-Final Predictions

Ahhh, Russia. How we love you so. Is the World Cup a homosexual abomination? It is according to this guy. Cue the "thank you" letter from Putin.

Amy Lawrence has picked out four dudes (one from each of the remaining teams) she thinks are key and can make all the difference today and tomorrow. She's got Germany’s Sami Khedira, Brazil’s Oscar, Argentina’s Javier Mascherano and Holland’s Wesley Sneijder as those dudes. Solid choices.

The Mill. Plus One. Plus Plus One.

So that's that. OK.

We'll leave you with this. It's Gazza and Redknapp. Together. Oh, dear...

Onward!!

-SSN