France vs. Germany: Final score 0-1, Hummels heads Die Mannschaft into semifinals
Germany are through into the World Cup semifinals after downing a disappointing France.
Julian Finney
It took only 12 minutes for Hummels to head Toni Kroos' floated free-kick beyond Hugo Lloris, as Germany took full advantage of France's lethargic start.
Even after going behind Les Bleus lacked their usual intensity, and looked to sit deep and invite pressure rather than trying to win the ball back high up the field. It took them over half an hour to seriously test German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who reacted well when finally tested by a low strike from Mathieu Valbuena.
Les Bleus began to look a little more proactive as the half wore on, though good form had deserted their striker Karim Benzema. With the interval approaching he latched onto Patrice Evra’s cross from the left, only to head it straight against defender Hummels. A couple of minutes later he wriggled free in the box, though his shot was tame and comfortably saved.
The game opened up with the start of the second period, with the lively Antoine Griezmann and Mathieu Valbuena both causing the German defence problems on the counter-attack. However, while they began to dominate the game out wide, their deliveries into the box were inconsistent and inaccurate, and swiftly cleared from danger.
Germany almost punished France for their impotence with just over 20 minutes remaining, though Thomas Müller’s low drive took a nick off a defender before flashing past Lloris’ post. Substitute André Schürrle had a similar chance minutes later, though his low shot was comfortably smothered by the goalkeeper.
Their misses allowed France to surge forward once more, assisted by the newly-introduced forward Loïc Rémy. With 15 minutes remaining they had an outstanding chance to level the scores, though Benzema was denied by Neuer from point-blank range. Moments later the ball fell for Blaise Matuidi in the box, though his shot was parried from a tight angle.
With Les Bleus desperately pushing for an equaliser, Germany had a great chance on the counter. With 10 minutes remaining a delivery from the left fell to an unmarked Schürrle, though his poor shot was stopped by the flailing legs of Lloris.
Fortunately for him, it didn't matter, with Benzema lashing France's final chance straight at Neuer. Les Bleus failure to produce an equalising goal means they're eliminated disappointingly early, while Germany reach a record fourth-straight World Cup semifinal. In the next round they'll play the winner of Brazil's match against Colombia later today.
France: Lloris; Evra, Sakho (Koscielny 71’), Varane, Debuchy; Matuidi, Cabaye (Rémy 73’), Pogba; Griezmann, Benzema, Valbuena (Giroud 85’).
Goals: None.
Germany: Neuer; Höwedes, Hummels, Boateng, Lahm; Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Kroos (Kramer 90+2’); Özil (Götze 83’), Klose (Schürrle 69’), Müller.
Goals: Hummels (12’).
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