Brazil expects Germany's vengeance in Confederations Cup semis

World Cup holders Brazil will beat Germany in Saturday's semi-final of the Confederations Cup if they play to their strengths but against a partisan crowd at Nuremberg and a determined German side, the Brazilians should step up their game if they want to advance to the championship game against either Argentina or Mexico.

Brazil have both shone and stuttered in this eight-nation warmup for the 2006 World Cup, sweeping European champions Greece away before losing to a well-organised Mexico team. Japan came close to beating them in their final game, which finished 2-2, and the Brazilians only qualified on goal difference.

Brazilian coach Alberto Parreira has used this tournament to try out a different combination, with two attacking midfielders in Kaka and Ronaldinho playing behind the physical force of Adriano - one Brazilian who would fit into the German style of play - and the gifted but slight new star, Robinho.

Parreira said he would probably stick to this formula, although he might bring in players who were physically fresh. Of the four mentioned, only Robinho has not been through the rigours of a demanding European club season.

As a child German striker Kevin Kuranyi once dreamed of pulling on the famous yellow jersey and playing for Brazil, but on Saturday he has the chance to knock the world champions out of the FIFA Confederations Cup wearing the German's black and white jersey.

The 23-year-old Kuranyi faced Brazil back in September 2004 and scored Germany's goal in a 1-1 draw but this time around it is not a friendly match. Brazil's Barcelona star Ronaldinho gave Kuranyi his shirt after the match in Berlin and he passed it on to his overjoyed brother.

The semi-final clash with Brazil offers Germany the chance to test themselves against another world class team. Germany have not defeated a top nation since October 2000 - when they won 1-0 over England in the final game at Wembley Stadium.

Germany, who beat Australia 4-3 and Tunisia 3-0, drew 2-2 with Argentina to secure top place in their group. Argentina meet Mexico in Sunday's semi-final in Hanover. Brazil won their opening game 3-0 against Greece but then went down 1-0 against Mexico before drawing 2-2 against Japan.

Sports Betting Game Odds from: BODOG

Head-To-Head:

Brazil
+130

Germany
+170

Draw +210

Prediction: A full-time draw is the most probable scenario because these two teams will surely clog the penalty area and both goalkeepers will be extra cautios in order to avoid early goals. A golden goal will decide the outcome of this game. Ronaldinho will score the game-winning goal. Brazil to win 1-0 in extra time.

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