Germany beat France 1-0 in the Maracana, earning them a spot in the semifinals for the 4th straight World Cup.
The first half wasn’t very eventful. Neither team could spark anything in their opponent's third, and the only real action happened after a poor Paul Pogba foul that gave Germany a set piece from distance in the 12th minute. Toni Kroos whipped in a great ball that found the head Mats Hummels, who flicked a perfect header past French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
The second half was as uneventful as the first. Germany had multiple opportunities to increase their lead but they seemed fatigued in the 82°F heat in Rio de Janeiro. France also lacked a sense of urgency in the match. They had a couple chances on German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but the stout Bayern Munich man kept a clean sheet, his third of the tournament.
It won’t go down as a classic by any means, but it was an interesting match if you look at it from a different perspective. Neither team really acted like this was a quarterfinal match in the World Cup. Germany got their goal and just went about their business, as France was patient but could never crack the safe that was Manuel Neuer. Germany will need to do better going forward if they are going to break their World Cup trophy drought.
They will face a South American side in Brazil or Colombia, which will have home field advantage. Obviously Brazil vs Germany would be the dream match up in the semifinals, but the Colombians bring just as much as a threat to the Germans. Led by 22 year-old sensation James Rodriguez, Los Cafeteros play a free-flowing style that should provide an up and down battle between the two teams. Brazil also bring speed and creativity. Germany handled France’s speed well and, as long as Manuel Neuer stays in net and keeps up his stellar performance, the Germans have a good chance to get back to the Maracana on July 13th.
