Brazil appeals for withdrawal of yellow card suspension of skipper Thiago Silva

Brazil have appealed to FIFA World Cup authorities to withdraw the yellow card suspension imposed on their captain Thiago Silva so that he can turn out for Tuesday's semi-final clash against Germany.

The defender was booked in Friday's win against Colombia for blocking Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina's attempt to take a kick.

According to the BBC, it was the 29-year-old Silva's second yellow of the tournament, meaning he is automatically suspended for one match.

FIFA spokesman Delia Fischer said the football governing body's disciplinary committee is "analysing materials" submitted by the Brazilian football confederation.

He had scored the opener as Brazil won 2-1 to progress to the last four.

However, Brazil's chances of a successful appeal appear limited as, historically, only red cards have been rescinded.

The hosts are already without their star forward Neymar for the rest of the World Cup after he fractured a vertebra in his spine against Colombia.

Meanwhile, Neymar's likely replacement Willian gave Brazil a scare when he suffered a back injury in training, but he says he is fit to face Germany.