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Germans urge ref to watch Brazil

Santo Andre - Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger says referee Marco Rodriguez must pay close attention to tough-tackling Brazil in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final to ensure fouls do not go unchecked.

The Mexican referee, who officiated the match that saw Uruguay striker Luis Suarez bite Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, has been appointed to handle the semi-final in Belo Horizonte.

Brazil captain Thiago Silva is suspended for the semi-final having been booked twice at Brazil 2014 while star Neymar is injured.

The Selecao have appealed Silva's ban, but robust challenges from the hosts' marked Friday's quarter-final win and Schweinsteiger does not want a repeat.

Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez, in particular, was dealt some rough treatment in Brazil's 2-1 victory.

Only two Brazil players - Silva and goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who conceded a penalty - were booked by Spanish referee Carlos Velasco Carballo despite the Selecao's 31 fouls against Colombia.

"I am all for hard, clean challenges, but there were one or two tackles which were over the limit," said Schweinsteiger after watching Brazil's win.

"The Brazilians here aren't the magicians of old, the team has changed and so has their playing style.

"Hard challenges are definitely part of their game, it's something we have to be careful of and the referee too."

Germany head coach Joachim Loew echoed Schweinsteiger's sentiments.

"We were flying home when the Colombia game was on, so I didn't see much of the game, but there were a few hard fouls in what I did see," said the 54-year-old.

"The Brazilians have technically good players, but they are also very robust and it's something the referee must pay close attention to."

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