Hummels' header helps Germany into last four

It didn't provide as much excitement as some of the last 16 matches, but Germany's 1-0 win over France was as tense as it was delicately poised.

Mats Hummels scored the game's only goal, heading in a Toni Kroos set piece after the French had made a bright start.

Germany will now wait for the outcome of Brazil and Colombia on Friday evening to see who they will do battle with in the semi-final.

Karim Benzema sent an early chance wide and then Antoine Griezmann sprung the offide trap, but he couldn't pick out Benzema in the box.

A minute later Germany led.

The goal briefly quietened the game down before France once again picked up the tempo before half-time.

Mathieu Valbeuna brought the best out of Manuel Neuer, while the Bleus began to get the upper-hand in the middle of the pitch.

However for all their efforts, France weren't really getting anywhere.

Their persistence continued into the second half, with Benzema regularly twisting, probing and asking questions.

The Real Madrid striker saw one shot well blocked and a series of other chances squandered - he ended the match having registered seven efforts on goal.

His best one came at the end.

Forced wide in the penalty area, his well-struck hit was heading for the roof of the net, but Neuer's fist punched the ball away - and with it went France's World Cup.  

Match facts

France: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Sakho (Koscielny 72)), Evra, Valbuena (Giroud 85), Pogba, Cabaye (Remy 73), Matuidi, Griezmann, Benzema.

Germany: Neuer, Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, Howedes, Ozil (gotze 84), Kroos (Kramer 90), Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Muller, Klose (Schurrle 69).

Booked: Khedira, Schweinsteiger.

Goal: Hummels 12.

Referee: Nestor Pitana (Argentina)