Quarter-final: France v Germany Match of the Day Live

quarterfinals of this quite superb World Cup. Our live game could be a

classic, France versus Germany, two the leading lights of international

football take to the stage. deans of their -- Zidane. Schumacher

thumped him pretty hard. Klinsmann, what a girl. Thierry Henry for

France. Matuidi with the second. -- goal. It is 3-0, Muller is there.

Benzema. Ozil again. It is 24 years since Germany won the

World Cup, It is 24 years since Germany won the

of flu in the camp, they are one game away from a fourth successive

semifinal. The French coach, Didier Deschamps, was their captain when

they lifted the trophy in 1998, his talented squad have put their

troubles of four years ago firmly behind them.

Alongside Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand for this clash of the

European heavyweights, an old friend, Ruud Gullit. Are you

enjoying a? Yes, great World Cup, we did not expect to see this kind of

attacking football, loads of goals. The South Americans have surprised

us in the way they have played, and I've enjoyed it, and the people at

home as well. This Saturday's game should be tasty, two great

footballing nations? The Germans, old friends of the Dutch! In the

last few years, they have improved a lot. There is a foreign influence,

the Turkish players, they play technical, good stuff, they try to

keep the ball. Scoring a lot of goals. I am looking forward to it.

France have been a surprise to everyone. An old clash of two

titans. Both these teams playing entertaining football, this could be

the tie of the round? We hope so. Germany started the tournament

scoring goals, blazing away, they have pleaded for little bit. France,

not huge expectations on them in this tournament, like the Germans,

they are feeling their way into the tournament, feeling comfortable,

looking good. Should be a free-flowing game? It is funny,

Germany always remembered as being an efficient group of winners, they

have gone into this expansive, open football. The French team, they are

surprisingly few people. They did not have the expectation to do well,

the harmony that Didier Deschamps have got -- has got, should make for

a good game. This is shaping up to be the most open World Cup for

years. Who will be champions is not clear? We are inviting you to take

part in a vote. West Germany beat France twice in

the 1980s. The first of those encounters was one of the most

infamous in World Cup history recalled by Eddie Butler.

1982, a warm night in Seville, recalled in infamy. The villain of

the piece, Harald Schumacher. They were playing Michel Platini's

France, Schumacher protecting his area forcefully. Every square inch

of his area, from the goal-line to the outer reaches of the 18-yard

box. On the receiving end, Patrick

Battison, three teeth knocked out, the Saint-Etienne defender knocked

out. Schumacher was unhurt. Battison ended it, Platini thought he was

dead. The Dutch referee awarding a goal kick. As for the game... Michel

Platini. Vital for France. It is in. It is 1-1. What a moment in

Platini. Vital for France. It is in. area. Tigana. What a cracking goal.

Onside. Karlheinz River nacre -- Karlheinz Riemann ago May six --

makes it 3-2. It will now mean sudden death. Schumacher still

centre stage as the world's first penalty shoot out took place. It

will go out to the mag on until someone misses. Schumacher. No

question he moved, he takes the applause. West Germany have won.

They have won in a totally unsatisfactory matter. West German

celebrations would end here, they lost 3-1 to Italy in the final.

It was an extraordinary game, great memories, great goals, but always a

member for that unbelievable moment with Schumacher. 3-3, great goals,

great game, but that. I don't mind physical contact, but that was a bit

too much. Incredible. It was a Dutch referee! In those days, the

punishment was different maybe. Horrifying. For

punishment was different maybe. on, it was terrible, he was OK.

Being remembered for that Ba the referee did not give any thing. No

foul, no penalty. A goal kick. FIFA did not look at it. Any memories of

that? No memories. It was a car crash. The game, you remember it for

the wrong reasons. The nominal. We were tough in those days, Rio!

Today's all European encounter takes place in the most famous stadium in

South America, across Rio de place in the most famous stadium in

Janeiro, at the Maracana. Mark Chapman and Danny Murphy

imposition. We are. A glorious lunchtime at the

Maracana. Germany have not hit the heights of that opening game against

Portugal. They had three tough games, they were tested against

Ghana in the heat. games, they were tested against

all the way. Against Algeria they needed extra time. The French may be

a bit fresher. If you were a French midfielder, would you be licking

your lips at taking on this high defensive gem in line? I would be

amazed if they do that today, that is asking for trouble against a

quality side. They are more well-equipped. We think Philipp Lahm

will go to full-back, Boateng in the middle. They might try and do it,

but I think they will be more cautious. Is that because of the

high line, Lahm going to full-back? I think it is because of Griezmann,

he was a game chain, allowing Benzema to go into the centre,

causing problems. The German manager has seen it, thinking my most

experienced full-back, one of my best players, I will put him on

Griezmann. They are still warming up, we will city you -- we will talk

to you at half-time. There has been much debate to the

open nature of the German tactical approach. Whatever happened to

ruthless efficiency? Dan Walker can tell us.

A dash of daring, sweeper keepers, high defensive lines. Walking the

tightrope. What would they have made for this? 18 years without a

trophy, and attire generation knowing Germany as the nearly men.

Before the only thing they did not win was friends. Efficient,

functional, they were the World War I arrows let loose from the high

ground. They simply raised their metal shields to the sky and smiled.

Then the production line slowed, a systemic overhaul, a period of

transition where they still reach the World Cup final. Then Germany

showed a new face, fresh, cosmopolitan, expansive. Yearling

Klinsmann, the quiet technocrat, Low is a thinker, he found it at his

players 2.8 seconds to make a pass, too long. The kept going until it

was less and less, too long. The kept going until it

was now he says it is 0.9. Flamboyance rooted in science.

Goalkeeping midfielders apart, the fluid style is best personified by

this man, what is Thomas Muller? Winger, striker, false nine, one

thing is certain, he is deadly, usually. Will this more muscular

style at its time? Low may have a stopwatch on his team, but those 18

years, he knows his clock is ticking, too.

Indeed, he has made big tactical changes. Manuel Neuer winning his

50th cap, he has lost just three times in a Germany shirt. The

experiment are times in a Germany shirt. The

playing Lahm in central midfield is over, he returns to write back. Mats

Hummels comes into the fence. Schweinsteiger and Khedira are

United in front of the back four. Toni Kroos has had more touches than

any other player in the World Cup. Ozil to his left, Muller is no

longer a false nine. Miroslav Klose given the chance to create history

and become his country's all-time leading scorer. Everything has been

talking about Manuel Neuer, Rio, that sweeper keeper role.

Defender in front of his defence. I think he is the best keeper in the

world, he plays quickly, incisively. He has become a sweep almost. This

touch map, almost one third of this touches on so -- outside the box.

Finding danger, clearing it up, phenomenal. The AUC, making a

decision early, phenomenal. The AUC, making a

athleticism. Sliding tackle. Head down, back to goal. This would be a

defender's nightmare, I would not want to see him out here. He punches

it, through one of his own guys, off they go. He sees Mertesacker... Out

he comes. Quick. Is there a sense there is a red card waiting to

happen? It is high risk football, if it does not come off, it is a red

card or a goal. The centre halves have no cover, they are drilled he

will be coming off his line. Mark your man, they get the space. People

recover the space. It is not the way I like to play, but it works for

them. Doesn't it just but to show how

football has changed for a goalkeeper in the last 20 years when

he hardly used his hands! Hugo Lloris is the same, he does not mind

coming off his line, either. Did you not to the words that a goalkeeper

must be able to play football? That is why he was in goal, otherwise he

would have been playing out. But he chooses people, plays people in

different positions, whatever. You need that. As a goalkeeper, you have

to be a footballer. That changed. But he took a lot of risks, I agree

with you. Against better opposition, Algeria are not France, and the

forwards in the French team will be thinking, if that ball comes to me

now, they will be thinking, I will be running in behind. You can bet

whatever you want that France have been working on exactly that. I want

to see somebody clever enough to see him and catch him out of his goal.

As for the French, Thierry Henry is now back in playing action in New

York, but he still found time to record a rallying cry for his

compatriots. LET'S HAVE A LOOK AT THE FRENCH

LINE-UP. THEY HAVE MADE TWO CHANGES. Sakho

LINE-UP. back in central defence, in place of

Koscielny. Paul Pogba scored in back in central defence, in place of

their last match back in central defence, in place of

settled midfield trio. And back in central defence, in place of

has tinkered with his front line, with Griezmann coming in for Giroud,

meaning Benzema moves into the central role. Alan Shearer, you have

had a look at Benzema. He is one of the players who is in contention for

the Golden Boot? Traditional centre forward, he wants to play number

nine. The contrast between him and Muller, this guy wants to get in the

box. He wants to play on the last man. This was a fantastic finish. He

has had more shots in the tournament than anyone else. He can assist as

well. The weight of pass there was brilliant. But this is what he will

be looking to do today, get in behind. In contrast, this guy, I do

not know what he is, an attacking midfielder, centre forward, number

ten... Here, crossing from the left, and this time, coming from the

right. Another assist. That is fantastic, on a plate. And he does

his bit for the team as well. Defending here. You will not see

that from Benzema too many times. Again, from the left, another

assist. Brilliant. But he is also a guy in the right place at the right

time, who can finish. That is not a fluke, that that ball comes to him,

but what about the finish. It is brilliant. He is similar to a Frank

Lampard, an attacking midfielder who will be in the right place at the

right time. Golden Boot four years ago, and a great chance of doing it

again. There are not many number nines here. Look at the guys who are

scoring the goals. Both Muller and Benzema have been moved around a bit

in this World Cup. He looks more comfortable in the middle, that is

where he plays at Real Madrid. He is a real striker. For instance, van

Persie is not a real striker, he just converted. And I think Thomas

Muller is the same. You know he can do it, you can put him on the right,

the left, and he will do something for your team. He is a player that

every coach would be happy to have. You have played against these

players, Rio, how do they compare? Very different, Benzema is a pure

centre forward, one of the most difficult guys I have played

against. He can shoot off either foot. Comfortable with the ball

coming into feet, and can run-in behind, here's a defender's

nightmare, he can do a bit of everything. Thomas Muller, when you

look at him, he does not scare you, he is not physically imposing or

articulately quick, but he is efficient. He does what is best for

the team. He is one of those kind of ghostly players, he sneaks into

positions. Maybe a bit like Lampard, or David Platt. But also, as we saw,

he can assist. Those balls he played in were fantastic. Going back to

Benzema, if Germany are going to play that high line today, then he

will love that. You will see him trying to run-in behind at every

opportunity, if they are going to leave that space. That is what he

wants to do, because he is quick, and defenders do not like that. What

do you think, Ruud Gullit, about the fact that Lahm has now gone back to

full-back? I must say he does it well when he plays in midfield. He

is a good player. Of course you miss him at right-back because he always

comes forward at the right moment. That is why they played Khedira.

Almost all season he was injured, but in the final, he played for Real

Madrid. So they know what they are going to get from him. A more

natural holding player? Yes, he is. But going back to Lahm, he went into

midfield for Bayern Munich, for Germany as well. He gets the most

touches, and his pass accuracy is really high. That is a top, top

player. Pep Guardiola said he is one of the best football players he has

ever managed. Also in the French team, Griezmann and Pogba, laying

with no fear, just enjoying their World Cup. I think that is

important. If they can make runs in behind as well. The Germans want to

have the ball, so they will be writing for the right moment.

Quickly, how do you see it going, Alan Shearer? I will go for Germany.

Also Germany. Rio? I think France will win it. It is a quarterfinal

between France and Germany, watched in the Maracana by Mark Lawrenson

and Jonathan Pearce. JONATHAN PEARCE: Good afternoon,

everybody. One of the hottest Rio days in the World Cup so far. We

could have a World Cup classic here today. Germany, unbeaten in 15

games, France and beaten in eight. Germany into the last eight for the

16th time in a row. A sixth quarterfinal for France. We will

have the anthems, and then the two captains will read out an

anti-discrimination declaration. Temperatures down on the pitch side,

about 30 degrees Celsius. It is searingly hot. And the players will

have to wait while this anti-discrimination explanation is

read out on the PA system. And they will introduce a message from the

two captains, Lahm and Lloris. Hugo Lloris, he is saying, on behalf of

the national team France, they wholeheartedly reject any

discolouration on any grounds -- discrimination on any grounds. Using

the power of football, they can help to eradicate racism and risk

ruminations from sport and society at large. We ask you to join us in

this fight. Philipp Lahm, on behalf of Germany - we appeal to everyone

who is watching us today to help us remove discrimination from our

society. It is only together that we can succeed. Those players have been

made to stand a long time in the sunshine and the heat.

# Allons enfants de la Patrie Le jour de gloire est arrive

L'etendard sanglant est leve # L'etendard sanglant est leve

# Entendez-vous dans les campagnes Mugir ces feroces soldats

# Aux armes, citoyens Formez vos bataillons

# Marchons, marchons # Qu'un sang impur

Abreuve nos sillons # Amour sacre de la Patrie

# Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit Fur das deutsche Vaterland

# Danach lasst uns alle streben Bruderlich mit Herz und Hand

# Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit Sind des Gluckes Unterpfand

# Bluh' im Glanze dieses Gluckes Bluhe, deutsches Vaterland. #

It will be interesting to see who the Brazilian neutrals in the crowd

will be supporting. They lost to France in the 1998 final, and in the

quarterfinals of 1986 and 2000. The winners of this will play the

winners of Brazil-Colombia. France have everybody fit. Two changes.

Griezmann, from Real Sociedad, starts his third game, with Olivier

Giroud dropping to the bench. starts his third game, with Olivier

Giroud dropping to the That allows Benzema to be the central striker.

He has rediscovered his goal-scoring touch. Mamadou Sakho is fit again,

preferred to Koscielny. Watch out for bellboy in, one of the

candidates -- watch out for Valbuena, one of the candidates for

player of the tournament. There is the referee, Nestor Pitana, from

Argentina. Philipp Lahm has three times been voted best full-back at

tournaments. Hugo Lloris has been simply outstanding so far. Again,

there is some delay in this ritual, which will not help the players at

all. changes, now they will have another

delay for an anti-discrimination say no to racism photo. Bearing in mind,

once you get out onto the field of play, you just want to start. They

may think it's necessary, but I'm pretty sure the players don't, in

terms of the temperature. A crucial message to get across. Yes. The

German changes, Arsene Wenger would like to know why Per Mertesacker was

not playing, he is set behind us, one of the players suffering from

flu. The press also believe it's a tactical decision. Khedira returns

to the starting line-up, the other big talking point upfront. Klose

coming in, Rio got sir. -- coming in for Mariga -- Gotze.

When you look both teams with the changes, both look extremely well

balanced. You would argue better than they have been in the

competition so far. I wonder if Yogi the -- Joachim Low has been waiting

for this, you all a great piece by Dan Walker, he has been honing the

German team down to the split-2nd. We're about to get going at the home

of football, the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. Many people have France as

the dark horses, they had to beat the mike and experience of Germany,

all in white. The first World Cup where they have not had black shorts

or green shirts as part of their kits. Awaiting final permission from

the feeder macro official. -- FIFA official. Germany get us going.

Put forward by Debuchy. Newcastle trying to keep hold of him.

We're still not sure if Schweinsteiger is fully fit.

We're still not sure if problems with Bayern Munich this

season. He came out to warm up with tracksuit bottoms on. Very hot out

there. Germany do have orthodox full-backs,

they have been playing with four centre-backs. That is where all the

width will come from, with Lahm. Mats Hummels, important player.

Germany playing possession football early on. The French are ready and

retreating, five across midfield. The French are rejuvenated, saying

the whole of France is behind them. Six months ago the French press were

decrying them are the worst team ever. They would have to go

mixture of experience and youth. A mixture of experience and youth. A

chance for Muller to attack. Looking for Klose, to the edge of the

penalty area. That is pumped away by Cabaye. The French centre-back from

Liverpool did not look comfortable. Evra was breaking forward, the ball

was not played to him, he was completely a position. -- out of

position. Hamill -- Hummels blossomed in the last two years.

Schweinsteiger plays it back to blossomed in the last two years.

Hummels. 14 of the squad are 25 or under. It is a conveyor belt of

talent. Has been for many generations in German football. The

French cannot get the ball at the moment. Looking for Muller. Away by

Cabaye. Sakho or Koscielny, who would you

have preferred? The presence of Sakho makes me a bit nervy.

Deschamps likes Sakho, his goals. They struggled in qualifying, with

Spain in their group, but they had been a completely different team

here. Miller thinking Lahm was going to continue his run. Interesting

that Griezmann, who plays on the left, did not even think about

tracking Lahm. Some thought... That is a brilliant shot, I hope you can

see that at home. Christ the Redeemer, the Maracana. Some French

observers thinking they were going to play Sissoko on the left-hand

side. Griezmann beaten in the air by

Boateng. Cut down. The French have not started, have they? Not up to

speed at the moment. He could make history, Thomas

speed at the moment. He could make finishes top scorer?

speed at the moment. He could make finished top scorer in World Cups

twice. Nine goals in his first nine World Cup games. The same is Pele.

Klose trying to make his own record. Great interception by Sakho. Great

start by Germany. Klose holding it up. Lloris taking a while to

start by Germany. Klose holding it out, trying to calm things down. Or

slow down the Germans. Blaise Matuidi, a lot of people thought he

slow down the Germans. Blaise was lucky to be playing today, a

fierce tackle leaving the Nigerian player with a broken leg. He did

apologise afterwards. Klose. Klose the highest scoring German. Evra,

head down. It is behind Benzema. Not the highest scoring German. Evra,

a great header away. Valbuena has had a magnificent tournament. A

little chip, an effort is by Benzema. Great little ball from

Valbuena. A quick look, thinking it in. -- dinks it in. I'm not sure why

has gone with a side foot. Nobody has had more shots at World Cup

2014, that is his 25th. Cristiano Ronaldo in second place!

A free kick to France. Have you seen the official feeder -- FIFA player

of the tournament? I have. David Luiz according to the stats. Johan

Have not scored a goal Djourou is in the top ten!

Have not scored a goal half in a last three games. Debuchy.

Varane, the best young centre-back in the world according to Jose

Mourinho. He would love to get hold of him

Mourinho. He would love to get hold with injury every Madrid. Started

the Champions League final. Had an operation near the start of the

campaign. -- Real Madrid. Fairies Deschamps, he was decried by Eric

Cantona as a water carrier. Had a great influence on that side.

Benzema macro offside surely. The flag stayed down, through to Manuel

Neuer. Have you seen the DVD of Deschamps in the dressing room in

98? Absolutely brilliant. Getting the players together. A great man

motivator, they say. A little chip in. Away by Sakho.

Germany penetrating deep into French territory. Schweinsteiger.

Schweinsteiger dwelling on that. Came into the tournament carrying in

injury, had to macro operations this season on his ankle.

Had to have a couple operations. Twice Valbuena has got in either

side. A good start to the game, opening ten minutes. Germany having

most of the play, the French looking a bit more dangerous.

most of the play, the French looking a Valbuena is the key. That is

forward to Griezmann, onside, Benzema macro in the middle. The

cover was there I Mats Hummels. Both offences looking vulnerable.

Matuidi. Here is Schweinsteiger. Neuer flaying his 50th game. That is

a free kick. The little nudge by Pogba. A big occasion for him, 21.

He is on. Kroos with a free kick, one, nil.

Germany lead. Mats Hummels. In a competition of wonderful goals, and

old-fashioned set piece from the big centre-half coming up. Not unlike

the one Marouane Fellaini scored for Belgium. Similar position. A really

clever header. Lovely ball in. Just helping it on,

as much as anything. Scored against Portugal. Now has another.

He was fighting with Varane at the time as well.

Great for the game. When he pushes it forward there, one of seven

players in this German side to have played in the 2009 Under-21

tournament winning campaign. They have kept that side together.

Cleverly done by Pogba. I think Valbuena was looking at Debuchy, as

if to say, let me know! He will have been aware of the danger of Germany

at set pieces. They have the height advantage, if you compare all 11

men. Hugo Lloris, but for only the third

time in these finals. -- beaten. Good football, France. Valbuena has

had a really good game so far. Griezmann is in the middle. And

Valbuena nipped in. Followed up by Cabaye. Seen out by Howedes. He did

well, Howedes. He just retreated a little bit so he did not have to

make the tackle. Clever header, that was, Jonathan, very clever. Good

strength as well. He was injured against England back in November. He

only came back in January after a ligament problem.

Hugo Lloris has got great feet, just like Neuer at the other end.

Combined in this XI, the functional and the flamboyant. Good mix, good

balance today. Well, the goalkeeper is as good a parser is anybody in

this team. He was described this week as the best German sweeper

since Franz Beckenbauer. A little bit tongue in cheek, I think. But we

studio guest today, Ruud Gullit, saying that Paul Pogba is the future

of the game. Joachim Low. The pressure is very much on him to

His contract has been extended to succeed at these finals.

His contract has been extended to July 2016, and the Euros.

have only failed to make the last eight once, and that was in 1938.

Remember, we want you to vote BBC World Cup website on who you

think will win the tournament. That vote closes at half past five

tonight. The Maracana, absolutely packed.

The French supporters dotted around the stadium. A big section of

Germans behind Manuel Neuer's goal in this half.

Cabaye was banned for two yellows following the Ecuador game.

Valbuena, lovely touch. Just too far for Debuchy. He looks a player

today, doesn't he? Fiorentina want him, but he has been a folk hero at

Marseille. The new coach at Marseille does not fancy him,

apparently. I thought Benzema was a yard at

least offside. He looked it, didn't he? He has not been particularly

good at keeping up with the play, the referee's assistant. There was a

decision early on in the game, and the referee had to give it. He

wonderful World Cup history between these two sides. 1958, the French

won the third-4th place play-off. 1982, semifinal, the first-ever

penalty shoot-out. And then, 1986, in Guadalajara, won by Germany.

Another good ball. He is better at centre back then right-back, no

doubt about it. He is having a better World Cup than his brother,

who was sent home by Ghana. Oh, Thomas Muller nearly got that.

Patrice Evra. Matuidi behind him. A curious recent World Cup history,

France have had. They have got out of the first round -- not got out of

the first round, or got to the final!

Toni Kroos has been a little metronome at times for Germany.

I think he was hoping that Griezmann was going to run-in behind there.

No sign in the last game of any understanding between Benzema and

Giroud. They only passed to each other two or three times. Much

better balance with Benzema in the middle. Looking for Klose, and he

has gone down, very theatrically! It was Debuchy, the man with him. How

about this, maybe you should have just controlled it and had a shot

instead?! What is all that about?! He got hold of his shirt. Are you

saying you would have given it? Not for the way he went down, I think,

that would have counted against him. They have only ever lost one match

on Brazilian soil, France, one in ten. They are trailing here.

Khedira, looking for Thomas Muller! Hugo Lloris did well. Yes, he did

extremely well. He had to change his stride, Thomas Muller, which enabled

Lloris to come and collect. Playing some lovely football, Germany, Mark.

Parliament they are, some lovely football, Germany, Mark.

although I will say that there is something about the French, they are

still a threat, especially when Valbuena gets on the ball. When they

got to this stage, one or two players have started talking about

winning the competition, and Cabaye came out and said, confidence should

not become arrogance. Here he is, Yohan Cabaye. Title winner with

Paris St Germain. That is why he went there, to win things.

Matuidi also had a fantastic year for them.

That is good play by Germany, they are just sat in, forcing the French

to go back. Still playing that high line, Germany. They know that Manuel

Neuer is behind them. Matuidi trying to get it through to

Griezmann. Manuel Neuer starts another Germany attack. This

referee's assistant on this site, he does not anticipate anything, he

does not go until the ball is played. He might get himself I have

not seen him before at this competition. Hernan Maidana, from

Argentina. He has probably not seen you, then!

coach after yelling Klinsmann, Joachim Low wanting to improve the

speed of their movement, and he's still unhappy going into this game.

speed of their movement, and he's -- after Klinsmann. Paul Pogba, such

a talented Frenchman. Great header. Don't forget, he must have been

staring into the sun, quite easy to get that wrong. He is small, one of

the diddy men. Lovely disguised ball by Kroos. Klose not quite got enough

pace to get away from anybody. Evra unhappy with the free kick. His

guile won him that. He has caught him, hasn't he? If you keep going

down like that, theatrically, no surprise a 50-50 in the penalty area

will go against him. Ozil and Klose over by the free

kick. That may have come off Sakho. A

corner ball. Some dispute over that. The first corner of the game.

Lloris has to come, taking away from him by his own player, Varane. Very

nearly still in play. A brave decision to come, you have to be

certain you are going to get it. May when year it. Hugo Lloris is a big

Pogba was holding off Kroos. Lucky not to be sent off for swiping out

at Palacio -- Wilson Palacios. He is an impetuous young player, according

to his manager. The ball just skipping on, Neuer could come and

claim. He was lightning quick, just watching the play. A great shot

stopper, sharp reflexes, but also sees things from a long way out. I

den think there is a better goalkeeper around, in all honesty. I

den think there is a better remember the 2009

den think there is a better winning team, he kept a clean sheet

in the final. Defeating England. Lie on the right. The return ball to

the area. They thought alone was impeded. It is Debuchy. The referee

was in a great position. -- Muller was impeded. No. Debuchy is looking

at the ball. Deschamps got after the worst

at the ball. Deschamps got after the international manager. Everything

changed after that play-off second leg. Griezmann pulling it back to

Valbuena. The state comes the Benzema. -- save. Nearly I got a bit

fortunate. -- Neuer got a bit fortunate. This is a good ball in.

Really good first stop, Benzema could not force it in. It comes to

the far post. Another corner. Great pressure on Benzema after the

original first save. They allowed Valbuena together shot on target,

but as a good height. Across goal, Sakho was up from the

back. They carry a threat, France. They

know that. Really good goalkeeping. The top goalkeepers have 15-20

minutes when they don't touch the ball, and those other saves which

are difficult because of the concentration element. There have

been some good goalkeepers, Navas of Costa Rica, the Colombian and

Mexican. A class class of his own? You think he is the world best? I

do. A good goal-scorer, Muller,

prodigious worker. Well done from Pogba. A little slip from

Schweinsteiger. Malone was pulled back. -- Muller was pulled back. In

the German cup final, Bayern Munich against Borussia Dortmund, few

people could even manage walking, and he was still going for the gold.

-- goal. Klose. Khedira. Ozil available on

the left. Toni Kroos looking for Klose. Khedira has gone down.

Clutching his face. Another player who missed a lot of football this

season. He got a ball in the face. Looks at the referee, then goes

down. Man playing football hit by ball in face shock! He had a really

nasty knee injury, early in the season. Playing just three games for

Real Madrid. His injury allows all the players to get a drink.

There can be an official drinks break if temperatures are high

enough. It must be today, surely? We were shown official figures. The

referee is chatting to his assistant. We were told the official

figure was 26 degrees, it will be hotter at pitch side, around 30. I

don't think this is an official break. The players have made it into

one. I wonder what the referee is doing. He is asking the assistant

referee and Muller where things stopped. He is asking the player? He

asked his assistant. Khedira is OK. Neuer was starting to come. Went

backwards. It is a two reflector midfield three, Schweinsteiger,

Kronos, Khedira. -- Kroos. The same again? It was from

that the goal came. Ozil standing over it, Kroos is there. Lovely

control by Yohan Cabaye. 4.5 minutes to plus stoppage time.

We mentioned about the referee asking a player, in the Bundesliga

they often do. They ask a player if he handled it, and expect honesty

afterwards. Interesting. Piti they didn't ask Thierry Henry

in that game in Paris! -- it's a pity.

Plenty of white shirts back for Germany now. Looking for Benzema.

Tentative appeals for handball. Hummel 's the Levys -- Hummels

turned his back. The referee was not helped by his assistant. No.

turned his back. The referee was not hit him in the guts. I was about to

say, I know the assistant has two wait to see if the player is active,

but I am not sure if the assistant on the near side is up to this. He

but I am not sure if the assistant just does not anticipate the play. I

still think it is harder than actually refereeing, though, being

the assistant. France famously won the World Cup in

1998. And they got to the final in

Germany, and it became a bit of an infamous final, because of the

Zinedine Zidane thing. Lovely ball from Pogba to Benzema.

This time he is onside. Benzema! In the end, great ball from Pogba,

but he created the chance for himself, Benzema. But he really

should have done better. You are thinking, go on, but it was white at

the goalkeeper. thinking, go on, but it was white at

game at these World Cup Finals. Pogba, his strength and everything,

game at these World Cup Finals. and Valbuena, they are a real

problem for Germany. Benzema has taken up a position in

the middle, Griezmann was coming from deep. Away by Schweinsteiger.

Sliced out by Muller. One minute of stoppage time. Valbuena was in and

out of the side for a fair few years, but Didier Deschamps Billy

has placed his trust in him. That was surely out of play! It is now.

I think if they go in 1-0 down, the French, at half-time, I think

Deschamps will be saying to them, let's get Pogba and Valbuena on the

ball as often as we can, because they will make things happen. The

goal which separates the sides, guided in by Hummels, who used the

pace of the free kick well. That is the half-time whistle. And it is

Germany who lead against Didier Deschamps' France. Joachim Low

making notes, he will be congratulating his defender Hummels,

whose goal separates the science at half-time.

Chances for both sides, but it is the Germans who have a slight

advantage at the moment, but this game has got a long way to go? It

has. I think the Germans have just edged it for me, neat and tidy. They

are getting in behind once or twice. But France look dangerous on the

break, particularly with the German high line, they have caught them out

once or twice. That it is a very good game. It looks to be a better

balance to this German side than in previous games, perhaps? It looks

like France or most are giving them the advantage, letting them keep the

ball, and then we will just try and get in behind you. A couple of times

they have succeeded. But also for the Germans, it is difficult the

goal came from a set piece. It is difficult for both sides, but

Germany has the initiative, trying to make the play. But the danger is

always waiting for a counterattack. How do you read it, Rio? The Germans

look more composed, like they have been here before. They are not

panicking, they are a goal up, and for me, they are just going to

strangle the game now. Interesting that Joachim Low was brave enough to

leave out big players are - did you ever do that in your managerial

career, Ruud?! And look what happened! I just thought I would

bring that up. The goal came from a set piece, as you said, Ruud, and it

was a very good header, wasn't it? ALAN SHEARER: It was impressive.

RUUD GULLIT: Hummels just pushes the defender away when the ball comes

in. It was a great header. Looks a little bit like Fellaini's goal for

Belgium. As a centre half, you cannot be bullied like that. I think

that is probably the week part of Varane's game. He is young, growing

into his frame still. Experience also? Yes, you have got to be able

younger, maybe not now. I tried to stay away from you because I did not

want to fight. How stay away from you because I did not

with that, now experience, he has got to fight

more? experience, he has got to fight

aggressive, but also, do not let Hummels get his hands on you. He is

right. Hummels wants to take control of the situation. As the centre

half, you have got to do exactly the same, but he is pulling him around.

That cannot happen. Penalty shout for Klose, what did you think? I

thought it was a penalty. Went down a little bit too easily. But Debuchy

has got hold of him. He gets the wrong side of him. What costs Klose

is the way he goes down, but he has got hold of his shirt. If the

referee sees that coming he gives a penalty. It was a great ball to see

that. The way he takes the extra step, the way he goes down. Also,

with the heavy touch, the referee probably thinks, he has lost the

ball so he has had a dive. That is what you do most of the time. The

moment you control the ball, you get a little push or a little pool, it

gets you off balance. And then you a little push or a little pool, it

go down. We spoke a lot about the high line prior to the game, and it

go down. We spoke a lot about the does not seem quite as drastic as

before? It is still high Gary. Look at the space in behind.

One well timed run in behind and they will strike glory. They have

had one or two attempts. You either make a run in from the side, whether

had one or two attempts. You either that is Griezmann or Valbuena. Or

the way to catch them would be Pogba, or a midfield runner, coming

from deep. The defenders will not be able to spot a midfield runner. I

mentioned coming off the line, Griezmann, and he did it very well.

He has got the whole pitch to look at so he can time his run. This was

a very good save from Neuer, at so he can time his run. This was

can be difficult for a forward, because you are sometimes the last

man, but a midfield guy can break the trap, if you like. And I think

if they keep on doing that, there is a little bit of success for France.

Germany, especially the centre halves, they react to danger, they

do not see it early. They all stay in line. I do not understand that as

a defender. I cannot wait to see, still after 20-25 minutes, it is

still 1-0. I want to see France take a bit more of a risk, and I think

they can do it with this team. When they have, Benzema has had a couple

of chances, Rio? Yes, you do not want to give this guy too many

chances. This one was nice. I thought he should have put his laces

through this but he tried to place it. Alan, you would have smashed

that. I said that straightaway. It is head down, hit it as hard as you

can. This was never going in. Well, he has worked hard to get himself

the space, but then it is a poor header. There is no way it is

handball. But it is a poor header. This is typical Benzema. He comes

inside, and this is what you are waiting for him to do. Centre

forward play at its best, sitting the defender down, take another

touch and get your shot off. Rio de Janeiro has two world-famous

landmarks. You can see Sugarloaf Mountain across the bay. The other

is a mighty statue of huge symbolic significance to this city and

nation, as Dan Walker has been finding out.

There is a legend which surrounds this amazing place. The engineer who

designed this 38 metre wonder of the world started work as an atheist but

finished it a man of faith. Many who visit this city will tell you,

wherever you are, you can see him. But in Brazil, it is much more a

case of him seeing you, watching over you, in life, in football.

COMMENTATOR: We are going to a penalty shoot-out, there is plenty

of drama to come yet. COMMENTATOR: Off the post! Brazil

have won in the most dramatic of circumstances!

Brazil are not the only nation displaying a strong faith. There are

many praying that it will be them, their country.

The Argentinian fans have been coming here in their thousands. They

have a man called Lionel Messi, and a home-grown hope. Don't tell the

Brazilians, but could this be their year?

Of course, God cannot answer all of those prayers. Most psychologists

will tell you that faith in someone can give you a little extra

something. And in a World Cup, something extra could make all the

difference. You can see whether the faith of the

host nation is rewarded in our highlights tonight on BBC One. Five

past midnight if you are watching in Scotland. Then, tomorrow evening, we

will have another live quarterfinal for you.

The Netherlands versus Costa Rica will be live on BBC One from 8.30.

That is pre-seeded in the afternoon by the Wimbledon women's singles

final. And a little earlier, we asked you who you thought would win

this years World Cup, and the answers are in. And 20% of you went

for Germany. A lot of faith for your nation? It

didn't start like that, we had trouble in the defence. That is why

we have played five at the back. We have scored a lot of goals. The

football has not been extraordinary. We have not passed the ball like we

usually do. The results are there. Costa Rica looks like the easy one

on paper, but that's where the danger is. The South Americans are

playing good football. I saw Colombia against Uruguay, strong,

unpredictable, fit. Van Gaal, clever? The thing is... All the

time, he has tried to make his mistakes right. Why don't you start

immediately with the right ones? There is controversy. Van Gaal is

very good, clever. Not easy to get rid of the old system. Doing

something different. Speaking to some of the guys in the camp, the

way that the media have gone on about the way they played. You can't

always be romantic. You want results. Backing in Maracana, Mark

Chapman and Danny Murphy give us their thoughts.

I think Alan said it, the Germans are keeping possession better, but

the French are hitting them on the break? Especially when the French

got into it. When they get in behind, they look dangerous. The

Germans are in control, dictating possession, they had something.

Schweinsteiger dictating play. There will be a point where the French

have two step out, press higher up the pitch, take risks. You have kept

an eye on the battle on the German Reich and the French left? The

German Reich is where Muller is playing, he is the second striker in

possession, but he's not getting back quick enough. The French have

had a lot of joy down the left. More importantly, they need to get Pogba

on the ball with his surging runs, causing the Germans problems.

Valbuena has not had the influence he did in the previous games,

although he had the best chance. The ball over the top two Griezmann and

Benzema is causing the Germans problems? It is, I think as long as

it does, it could still be a fascinating contest.

it does, it could still be a There are the two teams coming out

for the second half. Germany having the lead, long way to go. How

for the second half. Germany having do you think before France take

chances? I think they will give it 20 minutes, perhaps looking to Remy

because of 20 minutes, perhaps looking to Remy

German Highline. The Germans? What will they address? They will say, if

it stays like this for 20 minutes, the French will change. And what

they will have Came through to Griezmann there. He

went to ground. The ball would not fall for him. Fascinating to hear

Rio Ferdinand talking about Varane filling out his shape.

Pogba, like Raphael Varane, will be a terrific player in the future.

Good pressure by France. A bright start. Here is the forementioned

Raphael Varane, signed for Real Madrid on the advice of Zidane.

Offside against Valbuena. Enough for you? Griezmann does not make a great

deal of this at all. Is it Griezmann leaning back? Two threes could make

six. Why would you run the risk? Matuidi battling with zero. Klose

making the run. Could not cushion the header down.

What will they be thinking right now on the French bench? One of the

first things, they will look to see if the Germans are playing the

first things, they will look to see way, then they will start, if they

are not already, making plans in the next 15-20 minutes.

Muller gives Ozil a chase. 74,000 the official crowd figures. 74,240.

The Germans the official crowd figures. 74,240.

the Copacabana yesterday, they had a great day. Another goalkeeper quick

off his line. Patrice Evra, his 62nd cap. Low

looks on. Valbuena winning a free kick. Very clever. Schweinsteiger

cannot believe it. Nothing in that from Schweinsteiger.

France have an but unity to draw level. -- have an opportunity. Taken

quickly, Germany switched. The flag stayed down. -- switched off. Get

absolutely nothing whatsoever on it. Maybe the linesman's problem was the

shade or the light? Good start by France. Matuidi overran it.

Anticipating a touch from a defender. He was hoping as much as

anticipating. He squeezed between them, thinking he was going to get

tagged by one of them. I fink it is quite obvious what Deschamps said at

half-time, raise the tempo and the pace of the game. I certainly think

Brazil against Colombia will be played at a higher pace, because

Colombia have been playing like that all covered vision. Mind you, they

are in Fortaleza, stiflingly hot. It is hot here, but no hotter than

Germany in 2006 or Italy in 1990, Marseille in 1998. The players

cannot complain too much about the conditions in Rio, other places,

yes. Toni Kroos. A chance for Mesut Ozil. Just cut out, he was looking

for Klose. I kind of feel when they broke the opportunity was better

than it turned out. Asking a lot to read it through there. He has had a

quiet World Cup, Ozil, similar to the season he had at Arsenal. A

telling look. Hummels was there. Does he get fouled? He has got away

with it. Really got away with that. What is Hummel 's doing wrong --

Hummels. Eyes on the ball. What is Hummel 's doing wrong --

is onside. Rolling office to. -- off his toe. Coming out the sky, came

off his knee in the end. Germany lead, as they try and end this

longest barren run without a trophy. lead, as they try and end this

Nothing since 1996. 28 years. Lovely ball. The defence was

wrong-footed. Lovely ball. The defence was

blocking. Griezmann has space. Valbuena is available. Khedira will

get a yellow card. I should hope so. Quite right. The other thing,

Griezmann can play it earlier. He was looking and looking, so many

touches. Once was looking and looking, so many

it was always looking to do Muller, Klose, saw the runner

Schweinsteiger. Toni Kroos... He absolutely wanted to belt it, in the

end, contact is really poor. He is thinking Hollywood, name in

Approaching 50 caps, only goals, three came in qualifying.

I spoke to a Marseille fan this morning, more agitated

I spoke to a Marseille fan this destination of Valbuena then

France's game today. Here is Griezmann. Blocked by lie. --

blocked by Germany, third in 2010 and 2006,

runners-up in 2002 to Brazil. Can they finally get their hands on the

trophy, for the first time since 1990? Matuidi. A better touch, and

the French were away. Good run, mind. Some engine on him.

He seems to have added a bit of goal-scoring as well this season,

Matuidi. Howedes went to ground. Pogba cannot

quite believe that one. It did come off him last. He has gone for the

double bluff. Time and space now for Mamadou

Sakho. Patrice Evra. Sakho to Valbuena. That really was

not a good all. Those two players, very much favourites of Didier

Deschamps. He must be thinking of making a change now. Well, he has

got nearly all his bench warming up behind the goal away to our

left-hand side. That is foul on Muller. He did well he just never

stops working. One more goal for him today, and he will be joining those

players who have scored ten World Cup goals.

Boateng beaten, and away goes Matuidi. Benzema in the middle. Cut

out. Yes, it was actually a poor header by Boateng which put the

French on the attack. Germany got away with it. Schweinsteiger was

unhappy that it was he who had to make the block. Valbuena with the

corner for France. Benzema in there. It is

Cross comes in, anticipated by Neuer. Yes, comfortable in the end.

He must be glad he has had something to do!

Just to remind you, you can see the last quarterfinal, between the

Netherlands and Foster Rica, live on BBC One tomorrow, at half past

eight. The Germans want to know why there

was not an offside flag against Benzema. He will say he was not

interfering. He was not, strictly, Benzema. He will say he was not

was he? As Brian Clough used to say, if you are on the pitch, you are

interfering. That was 45 years ago. In towards Klose, nearly came

through to him. Won back by Schweinsteiger, who has left

Valbuena in a crumpled heap. There was nothing wrong with the

challenge, he goes and wins the header. That is one of the problems

with the Germans, in terms of the way they play, Jonathan. Howedes on

the left, he is a centre-back playing left-back, so they do not

really get much joy down the left-hand side. What is wrong with

that? I think every hard challenge by German on a French player will

remind the French of Patrick Battiston being steam-rollered by

Harald Schumacher in 1982. That was assault, wasn't it? How the referee

could just give a free kick... There were some fantastic goals in that

match, though. The bicycle kick. And then of course it was the first

county shoot out in the World Cup Finals. -- penalty shoot-out.

Griezmann attacking the far post, good block by Philipp Lahm. That is

a good battle between those two. Fourth corner of the game for

France. Valbuena. The whistle has gone. The flag did not go up... He

has probably had his back to the referee's assistant. That is harsh,

if it was called for handball. Very. He has made a lot of chances in this

World Cup, as well as scoring, Karim Benzema. He has got 20 or more goals

at club level for six seasons out of the last seven. The game has got

very bitty. But one was there to be won by Evra. He was hardly caught,

Muller. You cannot go down clutching your head. Germany over the years

have so very rarely lost in the knockout stages from this sort of

position. But it is certainly not beyond France, unless Germany score

here. Free kick. Muller, the offender. Muller on Evra,

25 minutes to go. I think the Germans might be going to make a

change. I think they might make the first one. The assistant coach has

called one of the substitutes, first one. The assistant coach has

Schurrle, to come to the bench, having been warming up behind the

goal. Maybe it will not be a record-breaking day for Miroslav

Klose today. Stick Muller through the middle. That is what the German

press thought they were going The whistles are I think from the

Brazilian fans, who have seen this game becoming something of a logjam.

The Germans are slowly working their way up the touchline.

He has scored five in his last five competitive internationals, the

Chelsea player, Schurrle. There is Olivier Giroud. The game needs

something. Good football, Germany. Mesut Ozil

on the far side of the penalty area... But it was too long for

Muller. Yes, Ozil came to the near post, creating the space, but they

could not exploit it, Germany. The record will have to wait for another

day. But he certainly gave them a target to hit in the first half, he

gave them better shape. On terms Schurrle. The German press have been

gave them better shape. On terms fulsome in their praise of Schurrle

over the last few days. That was for his goal against Algeria. Generally,

when he has come on, he has injected haste and energy, which is probably

what this game needs. And here he comes, of the right.

Mesut Ozil is in the middle. That has to be a corner! It IS a corner.

Everybody in the stadium can see the deflection. Sakho with the original

mistake, it came off him, should have been a corner. We are right

behind it, you could see it was a definite deflection.

behind it, you could see it was a referees today have been really

poor, both of them. Here is the injection of pace.

good ball by Schurrle. At the moment, Germany are not playing with

a centre forward. A couple of false nines. Have you seen any tactical

innovations here? No. The biggest tactical innovation has been the can

of spray paint. Which they have had in South American football for

years. But it has been a great World Cup. And they have invented another

one as well, just in case its nose, in orange. Seriously. -- just in

case it snows. France are going to make a

substitution, and it is going to be Laurent Koscielny who comes on for

Sakho. Sakho has been in and out, he has had this thigh injury, and he

missed a couple of months for Liverpool this season with another

injury. He is one of those players who, as a forward player, as a

striker, you always think, he will give you a chance. He virtually went

missing at Selhurst Park when Crystal Palace came back that day.

What do you mean, virtually? Schurrle puts it out of play.

Valbuena created over 100 chances for Marseille this season. Benzema

was goal side. Not great positional sense by Boateng. Koscielny for

Sakho is OK, but you are not sending out the message to your players, be

more adventurous. What are you saying? He went for goal. He sounded

surprised. The young man is 23, choosing the wrong option, way wide.

Another substitution, Cabaye coming off for Loic Remy. That is your

statement, midfield player Ron, attacker on, probably playing wide

right. It is Schurrle, Ozil making strides. He went for goal as well.

Would have to be some strike to beat Lloris from there.

Great change of play to Valbuena. Took it well, coming inside. He hit

it too flat. Great ball, nice touch. Schurrle,

the Tottenham keeper making sure. The French are almost playing with

four, Griezmann up with Benzema, Remy on the

four, Griezmann up with Benzema, late on with the Swiss. We know what

four, Griezmann up with Benzema, happened there. Benzema

challengingly Boateng. Can Germany counter decisively? Into Muller,

looking for Ozil. The touch via Raphael Varane was enough for the

goalkeeper to get it out. They were unlucky, nice reverse pass. The

French did not panic. A quarter of an hour left in the

Maracana, the lead is a fragile one between Germany and a record fourth

semifinal in a row. Koscielny, no great urgency. They need to come out

and play, take a chance. How many times have we seen centre halves do

that. Lovely ball to Griezmann. Valbuena coming in, Benzema!

Brilliant block by Mats Hummels. Evra beyond the dearer. Neuer comes,

and gathers. What a difference getting a shout. I wonder if Benzema

let it run through to Valbuena. getting a shout. I wonder if Benzema

great block by Hummels. 2-Benz. Here is Matuidi. -- that

Germany need a second dearer powering on, brought down by

Pogba? No. The German benches absolutely furious. This --

French cheers ringing round the Maracana. Comfortable save, isn't

it? They threw him in for his debut, five years ago, he was 23. They have

the attitude that he was going to be the world's best, we will throw him

in, he will stay there. No great support for Ozil. Germany

Conservative, losing possession. I keep thinking there is an

equaliser for France, it has not come. There is an impetus with Remy

coming on. Possession is now 50-50 in the game. A good ball by the

outstanding Muller. Not by Lahm. A free kick against Matuidi. So he was

trying to win the ball. The next goal in this game could

have a huge The next goal in this game could

to win the trophy. Germany were very narrow, running

into trouble. That is trouble for Schweinsteiger. Flicking his leg out

to make sure Griezmann did not get away. The Germans are not sure where

Griezmann is playing. Causing problems. Loic Remy.

Benzema was fouled by Schurrle. He said he did not miss timed tackle.

Ten minutes ago. -- to go. France have seven players in the

opposition penalty area. A competition where we have seen so

many late goals. Hitting a defender, bouncing wide.

It's a German, looks like Hummels. Did not know much about it. It was

hit against him by the left-back. Brilliant. What a difference that

makes. Pressure off, break. It we go. Ozil looked offside. Back

towards Muller Schurrle missed it. Germany saw the semifinal beckoning.

He was on. When it comes to Schurrle, he can have another touch

if he wants. On his favoured foot. He panicked. He knows. That could

come back to want them. Games can spin on moments like that. Lloris

keeping France in the World Cup. They have a man over on the left.

Played in, not far enough. Valbuena trying to win it back. Toni Kroos

timed it well. It is intriguing, for all the French attacks, the Germans

could score another one. It comes little Mario got -- Gotze. They will

replace Ozil. He had a strange season, replaced by Mario Gotze,

brilliant against Portugal, has faded since then. His future is

clouded at Bayern Munich. Comes out to Gotze, corner off Koscielny.

Neuer is almost on the halfway line. Headed away by Koscielny. Here comes

Olivier Giroud. For Benzema? Valbuena going off. It must be,

Griezmann on the left... Remy on the right, the big two through the

middle. When Giroud has played in a three, Benzema on the left, it has

not worked at all. A foul. The referee's assistant, 3.5 metres

away, never put his We haven't spoken to much about the

referees in the World Cup, they have been good, but the assistants are

lagging behind. I think France

regrets if it stays like this and they go out. Not going for it early

enough. It will not be today, but in the fullness of time Deschamps will

tell them it was a game they could have won.

tell them it was a game they could Yes, the Germans are just going to

slow the game down at every opportunity now.

Well, Mexico thought they were home and hosed in the round of 16. Two

very late goals saw them off. We are into the last four minutes here

What is that?! He thought the player was down. He did. I think he thought

that Giroud was down. You cannot was down. He did. I think he thought

change it to my referee, surely. What are you doing? I will

change it to my referee, surely. has done the decent thing. Well

done, Patrice Evra there. has done the decent thing. Well

is. Thomas Muller. Away from Patrice Evra. Schurrle to finish it! The

block came in from Varane. Evra looks the Benzema. Boateng. Do you

want your looks the Benzema. Boateng. Do you

far forward in this situation? Has Boateng left them exposed?! Offside.

Yes, it is not a problem if you're centre-back comes out there, you

just fill in, it is fine. I don't think actually we have seen enough

centre halves bringing the ball forward in the competition. No,

Marquez has been as good as anybody. With the exception of David Louise,

let's not forget. Oh, Schweinsteiger, where he has been

all day, blocking anything loose. Loic Remy. Griezmann underneath it.

Too far. The French need to squeeze up and

try and win the ball back in Germany's half. Two great European

heavyweights. It has been intriguing but it has

not been free-flowing. Koscielny has gone forward. Looking for Benzema.

Brought it down well. Hamas again. He has been brilliant. Yes, he has,

his positional sense has been outstanding. -- Hummels. There have

been a couple of second-half cautions. We know now that there

will be for minutes of added time. If you wanted any team in the world

to protect a 1-0 lead in the World Cup quarterfinal, it is Germany,

isn't it? It is, indeed. They are going to make another substitution

as well, I think. They are going to be in no hurry to take the throw,

that is for sure. Christopher Cramer is going to come on for them. Forced

forward. of these finals. He runs his socks

off, says Joachim Low, of the 23-year-old. Giroud fouls him.

Toni Kroos is going to be the man replaced by Cramer.

A funny old game. He had a very strong end of the season on loan at

Russia Moenchengladbach. He does not influence the game enough for me. He

was not in the original 30, but he played well against Poland on his

debut in a 0-0 draw in May, and that got him into the squad. That is

foul. The referee's assistant has given a throw.

He has had a frustrating afternoon, Pogba. He needs to learn how to

dominate. Yes, it will come, there is no doubt about that. That is

foul. Debuchy down, it was foul by Muller. Mind you, he has taken a few

prisoners in his career as well, Debuchy.

Forward by Lloris, won cleanly by Schurrle. Goalkeeper pursued by

Muller! Comes forward. Griezmann. Benzema! Needs something special.

Karim Benzema. Manuel Neuer, one-handed, almost nonchalant!

Matuidi wants it. Benzema waits. Oh, that is a terrible ball, and the

chance has gone. Well, I think Benzema has got to go low and hard

across the goalkeeper. He is not going to score from there, sorry.

It is an easy save them isn't it? And he knows, look. France are

heading out. We have had the four minutes of stoppage time. Germany

are through. The goal by centre-back Mats Hummels after 17 minutes was

enough. The campaign has ended for France. And they will know, in the

fullness of time, this is a game they might have won, had they been

more aggressive, more adventurous. But it is Germany who roll on in

extra be to the last four of a World Cup once again.

GARY LINEKER: So, Germany into the semifinal for a fourth successive

time, a record. They have not won it since 1990. The French have done

puffed but they since 1990. The French have done

something overall. It is the same disappointment that we have seen

from so many disappointment that we have seen

competition, as they go home. All in all, it was not quite the

footballing feast we expected, Alan Shearer? No, we wanted to see better

football in the second half, but France were not able to produce it.

It was very surprising, their lack of urgency and spring, going

forward. They were chasing the game. He brought Loic Remy on, and played

him on the right-hand side, which I was surprised about, because the one

thing the Germans did lack was a bit of pace through the middle. I

thought he should have put him on up front with Benzema. But other than a

couple of opportunities created by Benzema for himself, there was very

little from France attacking-wise. But defensively, Germany got it spot

on, and Hummels was brilliant whenever the question was asked of

him. What a brilliant decision it was by Joachim Low to leave

Mertesacker out. Ruud, if there is any criticism of Germany, it is

probably the fact that they failed to kill it off, they had a couple of

chances? Yes, it was a great chance. But I agree with Alan Shearer, the

lack of urgency from France. It is a disappointment from this game,

because I wanted to see Germany a little bit more under pressure. But

maybe it is also because Germany are that strong, it is possible.

RIO FERDINAND: I was disappointed with France because they did not up

the tempo, and they did not have anybody to take the game by the

scruff of the neck. I think Pogba will grow into that. But they missed

Ribery, he was the guy who will grow into that. But they missed

always look to to unlock doors, that little bit of magic, and I do not

think they had anybody in their team who could produce that, and he was a

big miss today. The German back four were comfortable against the French.

Not too many times that France had a runner from midfield. The back four

were always comfortable, facing forwards. Particularly second-half,

were always comfortable, facing they hardly got in behind them at

all. Just the single goal of the game, it was quite a while ago. Yes,

very, very good header, he was strong, he wanted the ball more than

Varane. He controls the situation, rather than Varane controlling it.

Hummels is rushing him and pulling him around, and he is

Hummels is rushing him and pulling him, and he gets his reward.

Hummels is rushing him and pulling a sign of his inexperience as a

defender, Rio? Guess, you cannot let the forward dictate to you, you have

got to push him around. He did not do that, and it comes down to

experience. We often see defenders grabbing hold of players. You have

played in Spain and Italy, the Italians, they do it, they push you

out of your position. It is also anticipating - where do you want the

ball? He pushes him here, he pushes him away, and he cannot reach the

ball. In that situation, as a forward, have to get the eye of the

ball, to pull and drag the defender, and you take control of the

situation by knowing where that ball is going, rather than the defender.

As a forward, you can gamble, but as a defender, you can't. As I said,

sometimes even just a little nudge, it puts you off. In the end it was

Hummels who was doing that. But is it a foul? No, it is good play. Just

playing devil's advocate. Hummels played an important part in the

game, as well as getting the goal. He made an important block as well.

Yes, this was from Benzema. A rate last-ditch tackle. Benzema was

looking to pull the trigger, and Mats Hummels does not give up on it.

Great tackle, Rio. Yes, he just cruel as the game went on. He is a

big guy. In and around the box, he reads it well and smells the danger,

shuts the door. RUUD GULLIT: Was it Griezmann who

almost had a shot at goal? Funny, also important was Muller. He runs

for fun, the whole game he is annoying the forwards. We were

saying during the game, one chance, and here it came, right at the end.

Benzema again, it has got to be something special to beat the

goalkeeper from this angle. The goalkeeper did everything right. He

will not beat him from there. That is what I mean, these are just half

chances, really. If you have got Ribery, he is jawing two players, so

somebody else that's more space to create danger at double can anybody

but this Neuer?! So The number of possibilities they had, if you have

certain moments, you can. It was the Germans on the counter that have the

better chances. The more that France tried to push further forward,

inevitable they were going to create chances. When they missed this one,

we thought they were going to regret this. They would get a chance at the

other end. Terrible ball into the middle. They didn't

other end. Terrible ball into the advantage of it. Later on a better

chance. A beautiful feeling when the keeper comes out in claims one like

that. Straight into the French half. Muller again. You expect him to put

this away. A disguised pass! He has a big gap, but he just put it

straight down the middle. We thought they were going to regret missing

these chances. Muller again, always involved. An opportunity. As much as

we can say we were disappointed with the French, the lack of urgency, we

have two say, you know what? The Germans killed again, taking the

sting out of it. -- killed the game. You have to give them credit. No

real superstars, all very good at doing their jobs. A good example of

that is Klose and to dearer taking yellow cards. -- and Khedira. You

have to do that. Let's pop back to the Maracana and hear from Mark

Chapman and Danny Murphy. You are like everybody in the

studio, frustrated at the lack of urgency from the French? I don't

know whether they ran out of legs, or the German possession wore them

out. It was like a group game, ten minutes ago, I am thinking, run

around, leave it out there. You saw the Americans against Belgium, not

one player who did not put 100% in, dying out there. Credit to the

Germans, talk about killing the game off, keeping the ball, they should

have won by two or three. The decision-making came from the three

in the middle, Khedira, Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos.

Schweinsteiger was outstanding. I like a good midfielder... Muller,

playing is a midfielder, as a number nine, going wide, coming to feet.

The Germans had a bit more experience, they knew how to do it.

I suppose that experience will come for people like Pogba? He was one of

their best friends players, -- one of the best French players, he

didn't have his best game, but he looks like he will be a top

midfielder. We don't know who Germany will play, if it was the

hosts, would they have problems with the Germans? Yes, I think they

would. It would be a fascinating game. The Germans showed their

experience and know-how today. The Brazilians have good athletes, it

would be a fascinating game. I don't imagine the Brazilians giving up

like the French did. That is it from Danny and myself, the German

celebrations were understated on the pitch. They are used to making

semifinals at World Cups. Nothing to them. Let's find out what

is happening in the world of social media with Dan Walker. A national

holiday in Brazil every time the host play. South America in during a

three-day weekend. Enjoying a moment of Messi magic, this van. When he

scored this goal against Nigeria, he posted the word goal, but with

20,000 characters. Obama has been getting in on all the social media

attention with Tim Howard. I just wanted to call and say you did us

proud. It has sparked thousands of pictures, including things he could

save like this one... He could have presented Del boy from

that fall. David Luiz posting selfies. Have a look at Daniel

Ricciardo, the F1 driver, silky skills. I surprised myself. Send in

your efforts. These have been going down very well with the tourist.

Locals say you need two a day. I will prepare you a lovely bunch of

coconuts when you come off there. We will play keep ups with them.

The Germans are through, who will they play? I think they will play

Brazil. With the they play? I think they will play

is in, the expectation, the pressure, I

is in, the expectation, the impressive? I am supporting them. I

like them very much. I would not announce that too loudly here! You

have to make your choices. How do you see it going, Rio? The whole

Brazil behind them, I cannot Brazil getting beaten.

Brazil behind them, I cannot Brazil way they have played, but Brazil, I

want them to get to way they have played, but Brazil, I

there a great team in this tournament? Great teams going

forward, not defensively. In the last 90 minutes, only one goal the

match. -- a match. The difference is becoming less, they are making less

mistakes. We're running out of time, Germany are our first semifinalist,

some things never change. Germany are our first semifinalist,

the dark horses, they have two beat the mighty Germany. Wide from

Benzema. Germany leading. He stayed comes out to Ben. -- Benzema.

A lovely cross in. Muller. Schurrle has missed it. Germany roll on

again.