MUMBAI: The long nights of patiently staying awake and following the players across the football field is coming close to an end. The first semi finals will kick off today and will see host Brasil face-off against Germany.

Football fans in India will get to see the match on Sony Six at 1:20 am on 9 July. The quarter finals saw Germany defeat France and Brasil defeat Colombia to reach the semis. Both sides are crossing fingers and hoping for their teams to win.

For Brasil it is about being the host country and winning the title for the sixth time which they will be one step closer to, if they defeat Germany. On the other hand, Germany will look forward to breaking its World Cup semi final curse. The previous two World Cups’ saw Germany lose the semi finals to Italy and Spain, just short of reaching the finals.

Germany also has to deal with a ‘vodoo man’ who is out to curse the team and make Brasil win. The home team which will be playing without its captain Thiago Silva and striker NeymarJr is already causing concern among Brasil fans.

Germany coach Joachim Lowe has raised concerns over Brasil’s behaviour and has asked the match officials to intervene if Brasil plays rough.

The match will be played at 5 pm on 8 July according to Brasil standard time, 8 pm according to GMT and for countries in the east such as beyond Pakistan will see it early morning on 9 July.