World Cup, France v Germany Quarterfinal: as it happened

Succell

Editor

posted on 10 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Mats Hummels headed in a free kick in the first-half to help Germany upset France in an all-European quarterfinal at the Estadio do Maracana.

Catch all the live updates from the quarterfinal match between France and Germany at Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. (Scroll down for the Live Blog)

A European presence in the World Cup semi-finals is assured as Germany and France meet at the Maracana, looking to shrug off stumbling wins in the second round that exposed frailties in both teams.

Contesting a quarterfinal for the ninth straight World Cup, the Germans will start as slight favourites because of their vast experience in major tournaments but with doubts surrounding a slow, porous defense that was breached repeatedly in the 2-1 extra-time victory over Algeria on Monday.

France were thrust among the tournament favourites after scoring a combined eight goals against Switzerland and Honduras. Yet, Didier Deschamps' inexperienced team played within themselves against Nigeria, perhaps struggling under the weight of lofty expectations.

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