Bastian Schweinsteiger, the Germany midfielder, has challenged the Mexican referee for tonight's World Cup semi-final against Brazil to come down hard on what he believes is the host nation's persistent fouling.
Schweinsteiger became the latest critic of the Brazilian approach after their outcry at the foul on Neymar in the previous round against Colombia which resulted in the player's fractured vertebrae. It has been pointed out that despite Neymar's injury, which rules him out the remainder of the tournament, Brazil committed more fouls, 31 to 23, than Colombia. In fact, in all Brazil have done 96 fouls in five games, significantly more than Germany's 57. Brazil players have received 10 yellow cards, six more than Germany players.
Schweinsteiger said: "I am all for a healthy hardness but some of Brazil's fouls were over the limit. Brazilians are not only football magicians, hard tackling is part of their game. We have to be careful and so does the referee."
The Mexican Marco Rodriguez will referee the game. Germany's assistant coach Hansi Flick said: "Brazil is an outstanding team that plays at the limit of the allowed and will go over the limit if necessary."
Fifa rejected an attempt by Brazil to overturn the suspension of their captain Thiago Silva, booked for the second time against Colombia, for tonight's game. They also rejected a move by Brazil to punish Juan Zuniga, the Colombian responsible for the foul on Neymar.
