• World Cup

Brazil cannot fail against Germany, says Luiz

ESPN staff
July 8, 2014
Do Brazil have a chance without Neymar?

David Luiz says Brazil cannot fail in their quest to be crowned world champions on their home turf and insists Tuesday's semi-final against Germany is the "biggest game of our lives."

Luiz, whose side are without star man Neymar after an injury suffered against Colombia in the last eight put him out of the tournament, said: "We know we cannot fail."

The defender, who swapped Chelsea for Paris Saint-Germain in a £50 million move last month, is set to captain the hosts in the absence of the suspended Thiago Silva.

Back Brazil to qualify at 4/1

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"We have the whole nation behind us. To get to the final is to fulfil the first promise to the fans, and we are 90 minutes from this target. We will give everything to achieve the dream," Luiz said.

"Whether or not I am captain, this semi-final is unique for me. We all have to be leaders and to be strong.

"My biggest wish is that we remember this day as the day we were successful for our country and reached the final. This is the game of our lives. It's so rare that a footballer plays in a semi-final in a World Cup in their own country."

He said the match would be "like a final" and reiterated earlier claims that Brazil could overcome the losses of both Neymar and Silva.

Luiz hailed the fans as crucial to their chances of success, adding: "They are driving us on, creating an incredible atmosphere in every game for us to win. We feel like we cannot lose with them with us.

"We are together as a group and we are determined to fight for the title. The pressure is there because the people expect us to win. But it is a positive for us - you can feel it in every game."

Luiz scored a stunning free-kick in the 2-1 victory against Colombia which ultimately sent Brazil to the last four, along with opponents Germany, Netherlands and Argentina.

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