Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
The 32 nations that began the World Cup are now down to just four: Germany, Brazil, the Netherlands and Argentina. By the end of the weekend, a champion will raise the trophy.
Brazilian journalist Mauricio Savarese tells Take Two that the loss of Neymar to a back injury is a massive blow to the host country.
"This is a very big hill to climb," said Saverese from Belo Horizonte. "Brazilians are very scared about what's going to happen tomorrow. It could be the end of World Cup hopes for Brazil."
Still, with a team loaded with talent, other players, such as Oscar and Dante, could step up to fill the gap. What does he think about a championship game between two South American soccer giants?
"Everyone wants a Brazil-Argentina final," says Savarese. "Except for the the Dutch and the Germans!"
Off the field, concern has continued to be raised about construction issues after the deadly collapse of an overpass in Belo Horizonte last week. At least two died and 19 were injured in the accident. That could be part of the post-tournament discussion about the high spending and social priorities of the World Cup in Brazil, says Saverese.
The first semi-final game between Brazil and Germany will take place at 1pm PST at Belo Horizonte. Argentina and the Netherlands will then face off Wednesday, 1pm PST in Sao Paulo.
The winners will play the final game July 13 at the famed Maracana stadium in Rio de Janerio.