Brazil-Uruguay Preview: South American rivals square off in semi-final clash

Brazil defender David Luiz is available for Wednesday s last-four clash against Uruguay after recovering from a bruised leg.

Midfielder Paulinho is set to return to the starting XI after missing the 4-2 win over Italy with an ankle injury, but Bernard (foot) is a doubt.

Hulk is expected to start ahead of Lucas Moura in attack, despite failing to impress in the group stage.

Uruguay captain Diego Lugano returns after serving a one-match ban for accumulating two yellow cards, but fellow defender Andres Scotti is ruled out after getting sent off in the 8-0 win over Tahiti.

Coach Oscar Tabarez is likely to persist with the attacking trio of Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani despite Abel Hernandez s four-goal haul against the Pacific islanders.

Brazil are on a four-match winning run and are unbeaten in their last nine.

The Selecao have won their last two encounters with Uruguay, including a 4-0 thumping in a World Cup qualifier in June 2009.

Luiz Felipe Scolari s first-ever match in charge of Brazil ended in a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in July 2001.

Uruguay have won four of their last five international fixtures.

The two-time world champions have registered just one victory in their last seven encounters against South American opponents (W1, D2, L4).

It is 63 years since Uruguay s famous Maracanazo victory, when they defeated hosts Brazil 2-1 in the World Cup final of 1950.

Luis Suarez (pictured, right) scored his 35th and 36th goals for Uruguay in the win over Tahiti to replace Diego Forlan at the top of the all-time scorers list.

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