World Cup Semifinals Schedule and Matchups

France ended the FIFA World Cup dreams of Brazil tonight thanks largely to a masterful display by Zinedine Zidane, and will now face Portugal, whose quarterfinal against England produced no goals but plenty of drama. On the other hand, hosts Germany battle the tough Italians to complete the World Cup semifinals cast.

World Cup Semifinals Matchups:

Germany vs Italy

Germany has been one of the best teams in the tournament, inspired by the raucous home fans and a defense that has performed better than expected. The midfield has been solid, and the team is gaining confidence with each win. Coach Juergen Klinsmann has the team playing aggressively from the opening kickoff.

Italy's offense finally got on track against Ukraine and its defense has been impressive. It has managed to ignore major distractions, first the massive corruption scandal back home, and now the condition of former teammate Gianluca Pessotto, who is hospitalized in Turin after falling out of a window. But the Azzurri haven't faced an opponent playing as well as Germany, and they will be at a decided disadvantage in front of the passionate home crowd.

Portugal vs France

The Portuguese will be without midfielder Armando Petit, but they seem to have a knack of succeeding in less-than-ideal circumstances. They beat the Dutch despite Deco and Costinha getting sent off, and advanced past England without the two. And Luiz Felipe Scolari knows how to win at the World Cup. He led Brazil to seven straight wins and a fifth title four years ago, and has Portugal unbeaten in this tournament.

France is playing better and better with each game. After squeezing into the second round and coming from behind to upset Spain, Les Bleus shocked Brazil. It wasn't the final score as much as the way they dominated the entire night, beating the Brazilians at their own beautiful game. If Zidane can recapture his youth for one more game, France could find itself back in the final.