ANKARA
Germany has defeated rivals France 1-0 in 2014 FIFA World Cup quarter final showdown played at Estadio do Maracana, Rio De Janeiro.
Nicknamed as "Die Mannschaft" (The Team), Germany made a flying start on Friday when Borussia Dortmund's 25-year-old center-back Mats Hummels smashed a header towards the goal right after a free kick in the 13th minute of play, allowing Germany to take the lead.
After conceding the goal, France preferred to look for overlap to equalize but wasted several chances during the end of the first half.
France played poorly in the second half, despite needing to score, while Germany played in a disciplined manner to prevent France scoring the equalizer.
France were close to finding the net in 81st minute as Hummels nearly scored an own goal, but somehow managed to deflect the ball to the corner.
Germany could have doubled the gap a minute later, but Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle missed a great chance in the box after a decisive low cross from Mesut Ozil.
In stoppage time, French forward Karim Benzema's close-range missile was deflected by German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the match ended as a German triumph.
After the victory against France - known as "Les Bleus" (The Blues) - Germany qualified for the semifinal stage in 2014 FIFA World Cup and are awaiting the outcome of the Brazil vs Colombia matchup.
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