It is time to shed a collective tear football fans, because arguably the greatest World Cup of all time is less than a week away from it's ultimate conclusion.

But before we're all hit by a case of post-tournament blues, there is still plenty of football to look forward to, first and foremost two zesty semi-finals this week. Hosts Brazil will take on bookies' favourites Germany on Tuesday evening, whilst Wednesday will witness and equally enticing clash between the Netherlands and Argentina.

Thus, as we at Football FanCast wait in near uncontrollable anticipation for the two heavyweight contests, this article takes a look at the FIVE World Cup semi-finalists that Liverpool would love to get their hands on this summer

Angel di Maria

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ANGEL DI MARIA

Angel di Maria

Reportedly offered to the European elite for a more than reasonable £40million despite claiming the Man of the Match award in last season's Champions League final...

...Liverpool are by no means the only club baying for Angel Di Maria's signature this summer.

An unexpected transition into a more central role saw the Real Madrid star finish up as La Liga's top creator last season, as seen below...

di maria assists

Here's a short clip of his best bits from Los Blancos' European title campaign...

//www.youtube.com/embed/d_glrv1uzkY

And the 26 year-old netted this late strike against Switzerland to secure Argentina a spot in the World Cup quarter-finals...

With Alexis Sanchez seemingly not keen on an Anfield switch, Di Maria would be a more than suitable alternative - he also meets Brendan Rodgers' demand for 'multipurpose signings'.

But recent speculation suggests Manchester United and PSG are planning to blow their rivals out of the water with huge offers for the South American...

MARCOS ROJO

Marcos Rojo

Another Albiceleste star said to be on the Anfield radar amid Liverpool's need for a high-quality left-back is Sporting Lisbon's Marcos Rojo, whom they've allegedly been tracking for the last 18 months.

The 24 year-old is a classy and confident footballer, typified by this 'Rabona' clearance in his own penalty box against Bosnia in the World Cup's group stages...

In fact, his overall form in Brazil has been incredibly impressive, as seen below:

Marcos Rojo stats

Capable of playing at centre-back or left-back and valued by Mirror Football at just £10million, the 6 foot 2 South American could prove to be an astute addition for the Reds.

Here's some of Rojo's best moments for Argentina and Sporting Lisbon...

//www.youtube.com/embed/9-B_tmW6-_o

BERNARD

Bernard

Liverpool narrowly missed out on Brazilian prodigy Bernard to Shakhtar Donetsk last summer. But following news that the single-named hot-shot is looking for an exit plan following a wave of civil unrest in Ukraine, the Reds are widely expected to revive their interest...

The 21 year-old has struggled for form with Hirnyky but comes with a preceding reputation from his Atletico Minero days, claiming eleven goals in his final campaign.

The Selecao ace, who featured as a substitute against Croatia and Mexico, offers a mixture of blistering pace, netting prowess and sensational technique, as seen below...

//www.youtube.com/embed/Sb05QPFhqp4

And it's believed he could be available this summer for around £19million.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

//www.youtube.com/embed/VIjIvEDIbZA?autoplay=1

According to the Metro, Liverpool are eyeing Netherlands international Klaas-Jan Huntelaar as a potential replacement for Barcelona-bound Luis Suarez...

The 30 year-old has endured a limited role at the World Cup as understudy to Robin van Persie, but demonstrated his quality with a goal and assist during a 15 minute substitute appearance against Mexico, leading to this unnecessarily aggressive celebration:

..and this lego-based recreation...

Further examples of the Schalke striker's firepower are not hard to find; he boasts a record of 91 in 139 appearances for the Miners, including this wonder strike against Real Madrid last season...

Recent speculation suggests the former Ajax, Los Blancos and AC Milan assassin could be prepared to force a move to Anfield:

And with just a year left on Huntelaar's current contract, Schalke will feel compelled to sell if they're approached with a decent offer.

JULIAN DRAXLER

Julian Draxler

Liverpool haven't been directly linked to Schalke prodigy Julian Draxler for some time - but who wouldn't want to sign this guy?

The 20 year-old burst onto the scene in the 2012/13 campaign, claiming 13 goals from midfield across all competitions, and has been dazzling suitors with ever since with his mixture of creativity and skill, typified by this sensational assist for Raul...

//www.youtube.com/embed/AbOSUmMlfmg?autoplay=1&loop=1&playlist= AbOSUmMlfmg

Here's a look at Draxler's stats map from his breakthrough season at the Veltins Arena...

And despite not matching his proficiency in front of goal from the previous campaign, the Germany international was in good form last season, as seen below...

Draxler stats

Here's a clip of Draxler's Top Five goals for the Miners:

//www.youtube.com/embed/wnImymrd_60

The Bundesliga youngster is destined for a big move to a major club, but has insisted it won't happen this summer, amid well-documented interest from Arsenal...