It’s been two days since the last World Cup matches were played, and it’s felt like an eternity for soccer fans, new or old, who have become spoiled with the daily scintillating matches that have taken place so far.

With the first set of semi-final matches set to kick-off this afternoon, OrlandoCitySC.com sat down with local soccer expert, Head Coach Adrian Heath. Check out his thoughts on the upcoming semi-final matches and his prediction to win it all below!

OC: With Neymar ruled out for the rest of the World Cup, how much will that impact the host country?

AH: “Obviously losing Neymar is a big blow for Brazil, but strangely enough I think it might help them in some ways. I think with him not in the lineup, they’ll structure the midfield a little differently and play a bit more physical which will increase their chances of beating Germany.

But more importantly, I think Thiago Silva going down is a bigger loss for Brazil. They’ll probably replace him with Dante, but I’m not sure that he’ll provide the same impact. Silva is an inspirational leader, and I think they’re going to miss him big time.”

OC: What sort of adjustments do you expect from both sides?

AH: “Brazil are going to have to play better than they have in previous matches to win the games. I think if they play as they did against Chile and Colombia, then that won’t be enough to beat Germany. I think the Germans will put Muller up front, but I really like their midfield with Kroos, Schweinsteiger and Khedira. Germany has enough firepower to make it a tough game for Brazil.”

OC: Will the overwhelming home support be enough to push Brazil into the final?

AH: “Even with the home crowd, I can’t see Brazil winning it. They haven’t played as well with the ball as we all know that they can, and they haven’t looked as strong defensively either. I think Germany will end up moving on to the final.”

OC: Can Messi Carry Argentina to the promise land?

AH: “I think he has to if he ever wants to be compared to Maradona. That’s the one thing about him, he has never hit the heights for Argentina. He’s shown glimpses this World Cup, but I think that he will have to give one of his masterful performances for Argentina to advance.”

OC: Argentina has suffered key injuries as well, how will that affect them against Holland?

AH: “Well, Di Maria is out now, and if Aguero is unable to play, Argentina will have a tough time. Di Maria is a huge player for the Argentines. He gives them energy and has that ability to run with the ball from one end of the field to the other, which makes things happen.”

OC: Who do you think will ultimately win the game?

AH: “Argentina are another country who seem to know how to win a game, just like Germany. In the quarters against Belgium, they didn’t play great but they managed the game, the referee and the clock incredibly well. But with that being said, I still think that Holland will win in a very close match.

The worse part of Argentina’s team is their defense, because they have so many good attacking players, and I think Robben and company will ultimately be too much to handle.”

OC: Finally, who do you think will end up taking home the coveted trophy when it’s all said and done?

AH: “As much as it kills me, I think Germany will win the whole thing. If it was a South American final, would I be shocked? No, but I think that both European teams are collectively better. The Germans have this incredible ability to win games, even when they’re not playing well.

Mentally, they’re as strong as anybody and I have an enormous amount of respect for them.”