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| Hummels early goal was enough for GER to win. Phto Credit: Getty Images |
Germany became the first country to advance to four consecutive World Cup semifinals with a 1-0 victory over France at the Marcana in Rio De Janeiro. Mats Hummels backwards header found the underside of the cross bar at the 12 minute in the first half off a curling free kick by Toni Kross proved to be the game winner.
By: Sunil Sunderraj
France carved out a golden opportunity seven minutes into the match as Mathieu Valbuena crossing pass into the centre of the box to Karim Benzema whose right footed volley went wide left of the post.
At the 33rd minute, Valbuena left footed strike was poked away on a brilliant one handedly by goal keeper Manuel Neur. Two minutes later off a corner kick, Mamadou Sakho’s header attempt sailed over the net. Shortly before half-time, Benzema curl shot was turned aside by Neur off a long volley pass into the left side of the box.
In the second half, Germany had a chance to extend their lead at the 55th minute but Kroos shot from the outside of the box missed to the left of the net.
On an odd man rush in the 81st minute, France’s goal keeper Hugo Lloris made an instinctive kick save off a shot from Andre Schurrle. One last surge from France occurred in extra time as Benzema threaded the defense and drilled a shot that was batted away by the right hand of Neur.
Germany will meet Brazil on Tuesday and a Brazil team far from playing at full strength. They will be down their captain because of a foul he committed in the previous round and Neymar is down with a back injury.