World Cup 2014 11am Bulletin: Alarm bells for Brazil

Luiz Felipe Scolari has come in for criticism despite progress

Luis Felipe Scolari remains insistent that Brazil will win the World Cup, but there are signs that faith is wavering...

The World Cup quarter-finals are here and hosts Brazil have dropped several hints that they are feeling the strain ahead of their collision with perhaps the team of the tournament so far, Colombia.

First came the revelation that they called in the sports psychologist Regina Brandao to work with the players in preparation of this fixture.

Of course, such activity is common, but the Brazilian press have made it such a saga - directly linking her latest sessions to the Chile shootout drama and tense build-up to this game - that Colombia are likely to receive the psychological boost of believing that the 4.1n/a competition favourites are edgy.

Even more encouraging for Colombia - 3.1511/5 to qualify - is speculation that Luiz Felipe Scolari is contemplating drastic changes, with potential plans including fielding three centre backs to survive the loss of suspended spoiling midfielder Luiz Gustavo and not utilising a conventional number nine.

Scolari is incredibly loyal to his first XI, going into this summer with the same team that lined up in the 2013 Confederations Cup final and only ever tweaking once a match, bringing in Ramires against Mexico and Fernandinho to face Chile, so the prospect of a whole new strategy screams indecision.

One man who isn't turning is Joachim Low. The Germany boss will pick best full back Philipp Lahm in midfield again despite none of the players deployed at left or right back truly convincing. It is a tactic seemingly borne of the theory that the midfield alternatives don't protect the defence as effectively.

There may be German adjustments though as seven members of their squad have been suffering from flu, with Low wisely declining to name the victims or offer too much information on the severity of their symptoms. They are 1.875/6 to qualify in Friday's 17:00 kick-off, with France 2.1211/10.

What are the Betting.Betfair experts saying? James Eastham recommends a dabble on Les Bleus in the draw no bet market, while tactical genius Michael Cox foresees the lovable Mathieu Valbuena getting a chance to play hero. Meanwhile, Andrew Atherley expects Brazil to win in 90 minutes.