AN early goal by Mats Hummels proved to be the difference as Germany overcame France 1-0 in their World Cup quarter-final clash at the Maracana Stadium on Friday.
Hummels scored in the 13th minute, heading in a free kick by Toni Kroos to the delight of thousands of German fans at Rio’s iconic stadium.
France pressed for an equaliser, but Germany held firm to march into the semi-finals for the fourth World Cup in a row and keep alive their dream of winning their fourth title. If the Germans go on to lift the trophy on July 13, it will be their first since 1990.
In the semi-final, Germany will face the winner of the Brazil-Colombia clash.
Agencies add: German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer played a huge part in the victory with an outstanding display to repeatedly thwart the French attack, spearheaded by Real Madrid star Karem Benzema.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper said his back four had raised their game significantly since Monday’s below-par display against Algeria.
“Unlike against Algeria, today we had a game where we couldn’t lose, the defence did well and was really compact,” said Neuer, who denied Benzema with a key save in the dying stages.
“It was very impressive to play in this stadium against France and this performance was already worthy of a semi-final. We played some good football and there is huge joy now in reaching the semi-finals.”
This is the 13th time in 20 attempts Germany have reached the World Cup’s semi-finals and the fourth in succession since bowing out of the quarter-finals in the 1998 tournament in France.
Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2014
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