Germany have started the mind games in the lead-up to their clash with Brazil, claiming that the five-time world champions have lost their attacking flair.

The semi-finals kick-off tonight with the hosts taking on Germany, a repeat of the 2002 World Cup which Brazil won 2-0.

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has told his opponents tonight that  Germany are ready for whatever is thrown at them.

“Brazil is not playing that magical football of the past, they have changed — we have to be prepared for that,” Schweinsteiger said.

Since Brazil kicked off the World Cup against Croatia last month, they have picked up 10 yellow cards and committed 96 fouls.

German manager Joachim Low has also spoken out against Brazil’s new-found-aggression and hopes the referee protects his players in what is expected to be a tight game.

“They’re playing more robustly than any other team here,” said Low.

“There’s little left of that traditional Brazilian style of football. At the end of the day, it’s up to the referee to come up with the correct punishment.”

The Germans will be hoping to break their losing streak in the semi-finals — they have lost their last three — and Low has warned Brazil that it will be them and not the hosts contesting the final on Sunday.

“We’ve been in at least the semi-finals of the last four World Cups and that just shows that we’ve been playing consistently at the very highest level,” Low added.

“This is a highlight now, it’s something special and amazing. I’m looking forward to it so much, and everybody in the squad is too.

“I think all Germans are also, and one thing’s for sure — we desperately want to play in the Maracana in Rio again. On July 13. We’re not done yet.”

Brazil will be without the injured Neymar and captain Thiago Silva, who is suspended due to picking up his second yellow of the tournament against Colombia.

There was talk Neymar would be given injections to get him through the game but the national team doctor has denied those reports, saying that nothing that could risk the player’s health or career would be attempted to allow him to play in the final if Brazil advances past Germany tonight.

The Barcelona forward recorded a tearful video message to the country and players thanking them for their support during this difficult time.