Brazil World Cup 2014: Early Germany Goal Knocks out Les Bleus

A 12th minute Matt Hummels header was enough for Germany as they scraped past France 1-0 to become the first side to reach the semi finals in Brazil.

The two European heavyweights clashed under a scorching sun in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana, the largest stadium in the world to slug it out for a place in the semi finals.

The first half was a tame affair, with Germany the better side taking a deserved lead, whilst a docile French side looked out of their depth. A second half resurgence however, saw the French nearly forcing extra time, Manuel Neuer saving a fierce Karem Benzema shot at the death to give Die Mannschaft the win.

Both sides made some changes to their line-ups from the Round of 16. German skipper Lahm went back to his favoured right back role for the first time in this tournament, whilst upfront Miroslav Klose started as he searched for his 16th world cup goal to eclipse Ronaldo. Griezman started for France, after his second half introduction worked wonders in their last game against Nigeria.

Germany was the better side for the entire first half, keeping the ball impressively whilst trying to break France down with quick one-twos around the French box. France relied on the break, wingers Valbuena and Griezman always in place to receive diagonal balls from the French midfield.

France threatened first, Karem Benzema’s volley just wide after a cross from Mathieu Valbuena. Germany’s delivery into the box from out wide was poor, seeing some headed clearances, whilst at the other end Valbuena’s cross on the counter was just a little behind Griezman, being cleared with a sliding tackle from Lahm.

Germany’s offside trap was being breached time and again, and in the 11th minute France fashioned a great chance off that weakness. Evra’s over the top ball saw Griezman beating the trap, but his cross could not reach Karem Benzema.

A minute later Germany was ahead, being awarded a free kick after Muller was fouled. Kroos’ delivery was top notch; Matt Hummels head getting to the ball before Varane to put Germany ahead.

Germany had another chance to double the lead on the 24th minute, but Klose failed to trap the looped pass- and half hearted penalty appeals for a supposed push on the forward were waved away by the referee.

France’s best chance of the half fell to Valbuena, but his volley as saved impressively by Neuer. Benzema’s follow up deflected off Hummels, but once again France fashioned a chance from an over the top ball, Griezman beating the trap this time.

The first half wound down with chances at a premium, Benzema having the final chance of the half. His shot though, after cutting in ahead of two defenders fell straight into Neuer’s hands.

The second half began at a similar pace to the first, with little action and half chances. Klose tried to chip the ball to Kroos, but Illoris rushed off his line to pluck the ball away.

France drew close in the 50th, Valbuena’s freekick finding Evra offside. There was no flag though, but the French defender could not trap the ball and Neuer gratefully cradled the ball.

Jogi Loew made a change, taking off veteran Klose for Andre Schurrle. France started taking the initiative though, keeping Germany on the back foot as they pressed for the equaliser.

Loic Remy and Olivier Giroud were all thrown on for a desperate final quarter hour. A cross found Benzema, who dummied his man but saw his shot blocked nonetheless. Blaise Matuidi got free down the left, hit a powerful shot but Neuer was in no mood to be beaten.

Germany remained dangerous on the break, with a combination of poor finishing and luck keeping France alive. Schurrle hit his shot straight at Varane from a great angle, whilst he hit another at Illoris as France barely hang on.

And Germany might have been made to rue those misses in stoppage time, but Neuer proved an obstacle too high to mount. A Giroud pass found Benzema in the box in the 93rd, but his shot was saved by Neuer’s outstretched hand, sending Germany to their record 4th consecutive world cup semi finals.