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Cape Town - Brazil defender David Luiz has absolutely no qualms about leading the national team in the absence of regular captain Thiago Silva.
Silva, who is currently serving a suspension, will not take to the field when Brazil play against Germany in the semi-final of the World Cup on Tuesday.
Football authorities from the host national did lodge an appeal against the suspension. However, the Brazil captain's suspension was subsequently upheld.
Thiago picked up the caution against Colombia, imposed after he blocked the goalkeeper David Ospina from taking a kick, and as it was his second of the tournament he was automatically suspended.
"The disciplinary committee... cannot consider the matter given the fact that there is no legal basis entitling it to grant such request," read a statement by FIFA on Monday.
Nevertheless, Luiz has prepared for all eventualities and has actually embraced the idea of leading the Selecao.
"I'm ready," Luiz told journalists this week.
"I’m vice-captain and this group is very easy to handle because everyone's very down to earth. It won't be a tough job at all," added Luiz, who is one of the more popular players in the Brazilian squad.
That said, Luiz is under no illusions about the enormity of the task at hand, especially against a team as competent as Germany.
"They are a great team with a great philosophy of how to play football," added Luiz.
"They have a lot of great players, a great coach and it will be a great game."
Brazil face Germany for a place in the Soccer World Cup final tonight. The match kicks off at 10pm.
