FIFA World Cup: Germany Beat France 1-0

Mangaloretoday/ NDTV

Rio de Janeiro, July 7, 2014: Germany reached the semifinals for a fourth straight World Cup by beating France 1-0 Friday in a cagey match settled by a first-half header from Mats Hummels.

 

The center back headed Toni Kroos’ free kick in off the underside of the bar in the 13th minute in one of the few chances created in muggy conditions at Maracana stadium.

Germany will play Brazil or Colombia in the semifinals on Tuesday as it seeks a fourth world title.

France struggled to impose its attacking game in the face of a robust, experienced Germany side that seemed more comfortable on the big stage.

Mathieu Valbuena and Karim Benzema had France’s best chances saved in the first half, with the German lineup holding off late pressure with apparent ease.


Brazil Defeat Colombia 2-1, Reach Semifinal


Fortaleza (Brazil): Brazil made its way into the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 12 years by beating Colombia 2-1 Friday, with the goals coming from defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz.

 

Brazil, who had been eliminated in the quarterfinals at the last two World Cups, will next play Germany on Tuesday.

Silva gave Brazil the lead in the seventh minute, scoring with his left knee after a corner from Neymar. Luiz added the second from a free kick in the 69th, sending a swerving long-range shot into the top of the net.

Colombia got one back in the 80th when striker James Rodriguez scored his tournament-leading sixth goal from the penalty spot.