Germany get the win; First team to advance to the Semi-finals

The first matchup of the Quarterfinals in the FIFA World Cup had Les Bleus from France face Germany on Friday. France comes into this match after defeating Nigeria in the Round of 16 while Germany also defeated an African team, Algeria in the knockout stage. These two teams have a lot of history behind them with Germany being a third place team in the last two worlds cups and France having a bad past, but are here today trying to forget about all that and getting closer to lifting the cup again. France faced Germany in February of last year, with Germany taking the 2-1 win but the last time they faced each other in the world cup was in 1986 during the Semi-finals and we saw Germany (West Germany back then) take the 2-0 win over France and 1982 in the semi-finals as well with Germany taking the win in penalty shootouts. Today, it was France/Germany who took the victory over France/Germany and advance to the semi-finals to get an inch closer to the cup.

As the first half kicked off, it was France who was dominating the first ten minutes with many chances open for them and at the same time not being able to get the early goal. Benzema had about two opportunities in which he had an open shot but when to wide on the left side of the post and then also had a chance with a header but Manuel Neuer was there to save Germany. In the 12^th minute, it was Germany who striked first at goal and open up the scoreboard.

In a free kick given to them, it was Toni Kroos who took the free kick, crossed it to the box and Mats Hummels was able to find the ball, and head it in pass goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to take the early 1-0 lead, thus making this the first time France falls behind in this tournament.

France had another opportunity in the 33^rd minute when Griezmann was able to cross it to Mathieu Valbuena who shot for goal but Neuer was there to save the ball from going in, then found Benzema, who was there for the deflection but bounced of Mats Hummels to keep the score 1-0.

The whistle was blown after the first 45 minutes, and it was Germany who went into the locker room with the 1-0 lead and hoping to secure another goal or two to feel comfortable with the lead.

The second half seemed to be a bit more quiet and lenient. Germany had chances to make the lead even bigger with Andre Schurrle having to open goals but Hugo Lloris was there to save France from a bigger defeat. France also had a chance or two but the biggest one was with 10 seconds left in the match. Benzema took about 2 defenders, passed it to a teammate who gave it back to him and Benzema had an open shot as he shot but Manuel Neuer did what he did best and that was save Germany from a late tie and having the game go into extra time.

This is the third time that Germany beats France in the FIFA World Cup competitions and the fourth time in a row that they will be advancing to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup. France, also, wasn’t able to do enough for the game and secure a spot in the semi-finals but they will be sent home with a great run in this year’s FIFA World Cup. Coach Didier Dechamps had a great squad who fought their best in the group stage and against Nigeria in the Round of 16 but it wasn’t enough for them to take out Germany. Tears were shed in their side but they can go home with their heads up high for doing a great job in Brazil.

On the other hand, Germany seemed to do better today in the pitch and had better control of the ball and by far a better defense. Manuel Neuer didn’t have to play as a sweeper today and played a huge role in helping Germany advance today.

Germany will be advancing to their fourth semi final in a row and will face either Brazil or Colombia on Tuesday for a spot in the Final of the World Cup.