After a thunder and lightning group stage, the knock-out rounds of the 2014 Word Cup have been much cagier affairs. As usual, the wheat has been separated from the chaff, and we are left with four footballing giants at the semi-final stage. The time for being cautious is over, it's time to do or die. Could it be an all-European semi-final, or an all-South American final, or a clash of the continents? The one sure thing is that there are still vital points up for grabs for your Totel Football team. Let's have a look at what the semi-finals may bring.

BRAZIL v GERMANY (Tuesday 8th July, 9pm)

This is a match that would befit a World Cup final, never mind a semi-final. These two teams have 8 world cups between them, and the atmosphere in Bela Horizonte will be at fever pitch. Many people say that the crowd has been Brazil's twelfth man. Many also say that the referee has been Brazil's thirteenth man. They could need even more outrageous decisions in their favour if they want to overcome a highly impressive German team.

Brazil are a two man team, unfortunately both of those men are out of this vital tie, Neymar with injury and Thiago Silva through suspension. Could this be the opportunity for Fred to show what he's really made of? His international goalscoring record is good, but he has looked far from sharp in the tournament so far. Without the trickery of Neymar, there's a surprising lack of flair in the side. Expect lots of long balls being launched from the back, and a win at all costs attitude.

Germany had to rely on a great save by Neuer from Benzema, to ensure a 1-0 victory over France. Their performance was much more impressive than the scoreline suggests, however, and in France they faced a more formidable opponent than they're likely to face on Tuesday. After an explosive start, Thomas Muller has hit a mini-goal drought, but shorn of Silva, I expect him to torment the host's defence. Lukas Podolski may return for the Germans, and Mesut Ozil seems to be improving with every game. At the back, Mertesacker may not be the most agile defender, but he won't have to be to cope with Fred and Hulk. The romantics might not like it, but a German victory by two or more goals seems the only likely outcome.

NETHERLANDS V ARGENTINA (Wednesday 9th July, 9pm)

No team has appeared in more World Cup finals than Holland, without winning one. Could this year be fourth time lucky? To get there they'll have to beat an Argentinian team who always seem to do just enough to win.

The Dutch team looked like world beaters as they swept aside Spain in the opening game, but they've looked anything but since. The bad news for Van Gaal is that his team seem to be getting worse with every game. Team captain Robin Van Persie in particular looked awful against Costa Rica, and Dutch fans are calling for him to be replaced with Van Huntelaar. Van Gaal is all too ready to change his goalkeeper, but will be less keen to drop a striker that he'll be relying on at his new club side next month. Memphis Depay and Daley Blind are too more players whose form has slumped. Do the Netherlands have the strength in depth to cope with this? The fact that one of their bench warmers, Leroy Fer, was a second choice player for relegated Norwich City says it all. Arjen Robben will be his usual mixture of flair and irritating dives, but this may be a step too far for his side.

Argentina looked much better in their quarter final against Belgium. Belgian Manager Marc Wilmots, with the graciousness he displayed throughout his playing career, said that Argentina were distinctly average. He didn't elaborate on what that said about his own team who were comprehensively outplayed by Sabella's team.

Messi played a deeper role, and Gonzalo Higuain benefited. He woke at last from his Brazilian siesta, and the reigning Golden Boot wearer could be on the scoresheet again. Messi himself will also be looking to score to increase his chances of overtaking James Rodriguez in this year's competition. Di Maria will miss the game, but Sergio Aguero could be ready to make a surprise comeback, possibly from the bench.

It could be an end to end game, but in the end it will surely be Argentina who prevail and set up a thrilling final against the Germans.