Brazil defender Thiago Silva will still miss his team's upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup semifinal match against Germany on Tuesday after FIFA upheld his suspension.

Silva was ruled out for the semifinals after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament during Brazil's 2-1 win against Colombia in the quarterfinals Friday.

Brazil's football federation, the CBF, appealed Silva's suspension, but FIFA announced that Silva will remain suspended because appeals for cards are only allowed for exceptional cases.

"The disciplinary committee ... cannot consider the matter given the fact that there is no legal basis entitling it to grant such request," FIFA said in a statement via The Guardian. "After an analysis of the matter and the extensive submission and documentation received from the CBF, the chairman came to the conclusion that the FIFA disciplinary committee cannot consider this matter in light of the conditions outlined in the FIFA disciplinary code."

Losing Silva in the next match is a huge blow for Brazil, which is also set to miss star striker Neymar, who was ruled out for the entire tournament after breaking a vertebra during Brazil's quarterfinal win over Colombia.

Neymar sustained the devastating injury off a clumsy challenge from Colombia's Juan Zuniga. Brazil also asked FIFA for action on Zuniga's dangerous tackle, but the governing body also denied that request, saying it cannot take action because the incident "did not escape" the referee's attention during the match.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is reportedly considering naming Willian to replace Neymar on the starting XI on Tuesday, while Dante could take Silva's place.

Dante, who has not played in this World Cup, said he will be ready to contribute once Scolari calls his number in the upcoming semis clash with Germany.

"My World Cup debut, in Brazil, and against Germany, that would be a dream. I am fired up for this match," the 30-year-old Dante said via ESPNFC. "Should I play for Thiago Silva, then I will not have any fears. I will play like always, and try and adapt his role on the pitch as effectively as possible. I also have a certain experience that I can bring in."

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