A game that lacked tempo for much of the 90 minutes was won by a singular goal from a set piece and ensured Germany’s place in the final four of the competition.
Andre Schurrle was a German substitute from the start as Germany deservedly came out on top against a French team that simply couldn’t create enough against a typically solid German team.
France had the first chance of the game 8 minutes into proceedings as Benzema drilled his shot inches wide from a clever Valbuena cut-back. The first real threat from either side.
However, just four minutes later as it seemed France may be the ones to look to control the game, they fell behind. Mats Hummels rose highest in the area to get on the end of a Kroos free-kick and glance his header; enough to give the Germans the advantage.
Many may have expected the game to kick into life from here, with France looking for the all important equaliser to stay in the tournament and Germany looking to assert their mark on the game and settle the win.
France would have their best chance the draw level on 35 minutes as Valbuena forced a save from the unmistakable Manuel Neuer as the Marseille winger cut in from the left before the ball rebounded off Benzema and over the bar.
The remaining ten minutes of the first period lacked chances and the Germans would go into halftime leading by a mere goal; which at this point would appear not to be enough to progress with France looking threatening when they attacked.
Patrice Evra had a good chance to level the game five minutes into the half, despite being offside from the freekick, the flag stayed down but the Manchester United man could not get a meaningful enough touch on the ball into the German area.
It was a poor next half an hour or so, with both teams lacking any real tempo and the game turning into a more painful affair with both teams resorting to fouling their men in order to stop any promising looking attacks. Chelsea man Andre Schurrle had been introduced to the play on 69 minutes.
And the winger had a golden chance to settle the game with eight minutes to go as his Germany side counter attacked as France pushed forward looking for the all important equaliser. The French attack was lifeless which allowed Germany to spring forward and the ball eventually fell to Schurrle in space 12 yards out, but his shot hit Lloris’ legs.
In the fourth and final minute of stoppage time Neuer, who hadn’t been given much to do throughout the game, had to make a instinctive one handed stop from Benzema’s strike from an unlikely angle. However, it was on target and the Bayern keeper had to get there in order to nail down Germany’s place in the semi-finals.
And then went to full time whistle, with Mats Hummels’ headed goal being enough to send Germany into the semis and make their fans believe that the World Cup is a very real possibility in Brazil with their team’s array of talent, mainly from the Bundesliga.
Andre Schurrle became the first Chelsea player into the semi finals and there could be more to follow with Oscar, Willian and Ramires in action for Brazil against Colombia later on this evening.
Full time: France 0-1 Germany
