Neymar and Thiago Silva out – what chance now for a team that has hardly shone thus far? Brazil are still favourites and playing at home. They have a good record against Germany. It all depends on how much the Germans want it, after having been come third in the last two world cups and making the semi finals for a record fourth time in a row. I`m glad Brazil have made it to the semi`s and into the last week of the tournament. It`s always good for the home team to get through

One England fan carried a placard in Belo Horizonte after the England vs Costa Rica game that read “Cost of getting to Brazil £1,300, the cost of hotels and travel in Brazil £3,000, the cost of arriving in Brazil after your team have been eliminated PRICELESS!!! The Brazilian government estimates 600,000 foreign tourists have made the journey and that the 12 cities hosting the event will benefit to the tune of circa R$6.7 billion (£1.78 billion). That and condom sales are up,