Germany head for semifinals after knocking out France
The German team stuck to what was necessary to make them advance in the Cup 
Under the harsh sun of Rio de Janeiro, Germany beat France 1-0 and became the first nation to clinch a spot in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semifinals. Despite the win, the German team stuck to what was necessary to make them advance in the tournament. The performance of the French squad, in turn, was far from creative. The game did not live up to what is usually expected from a clash with such European giants; nor did fans seem very thrilled at the Maracanã Stadium during the match.
In the slow-paced duel, the winner was the team that managed to show the most action. Germany tried to take the lead in the beginning, but it was the French who had the first significant scoring opportunity, six minutes into the first half. Frenchman Benzema kicked from within the penalty area, but the ball flew off the German goal’s left side. Twelve minutes after the kickoff, however, while France were looking to make the clash more balanced, Germany’s Hummels scored the match’s sole goal with a header, after taking advantage of a foul from outside the penalty area.
Despite the crowd, the performance of the French squad was far from creative
In spite of their lead, Germany did not give up their offensive approach and kept pulling off rather dangerous moves. French fans, however, only felt compelled to stand up in the 33rd minute, when Valbuena shot for the goal. German goalkeeper Neuer saved beautifully, but number 10 Benzema managed to recover the ball and shoot for the goal, only to see it taken away by the defense. So much for the first half.
After the halftime, in spite of their foes’ lead, France’s efforts to score proved hopeless, as few good scoring chances were seen on their side. In the 23rd minute, the Germans were very close to scoring again, as, following a bad move by France, Müller collected on the right side of the penalty area and kicked. Even as the match approached its end, France failed to make the reaction football fans expected from the nation. The fightback from the French consisted in nothing more than sporadic and little threatening shots.
Meanwhile, Germany were once again close to score, when, in a quick counter-offensive move, Schürrle collected a low ball within the area and drilled it dangerously. In the 42nd minute, Schürrle was given another nice chance to score, but the French defense did its job. Only 48 minutes into the second half did France see a significant opportunity to score, as Benzema collected in the penalty area and shot. A wonderful save from Neuer ensued, following France’s last kick in the 2014 World Cup.
With the victory, Germany meet the winner from Brazil vs Colombia on Tuesday afternoon (8), at the Mineirão Stadium, in Belo Horizonte,
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Germany head for semifinals after knocking out France
