Brazil asks FIFA to overturn Silva ban

 RIO DE JANEIRO (AP):

The Brazilian football confederation is trying to overturn captain Thiago Silva's ban for tomorrow's World Cup semi-final against Germany. FIFA spokesman Delia Fischer yesterday said the disciplinary committee is "analysing material" submitted by Brazil.

Thiago Silva impeded Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina's attempt to kick the ball downfield during Brazil's 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia, picking up his second yellow card of the tournament and incurring an automatic suspension for the next match. Yellow cards traditionally cannot be overturned. The FIFA disciplinary code states that cautions can be cancelled only in "exceptional circumstances".

At the 1962 World Cup, Brazil star Garrincha was sent off in the semi-finals victory against host Chile, then was cleared to play in the final. Brazil beat Czechoslovakia 3-1.