0' The first of the Quarterfinal matches opens with a blood feud match between France and Germany. France opened their tournament well, but have not found goals in their last two matches as easily as in their first two. Germany were a bit underwhelming in the group stages, and then were taken to extra time by Algeria. Both of these teams need to improve to lift the trophy. The last time these two met in a world cup was the semifinal of the 1986 edition, where a West German squad won 2-0.
12' An early goal for Germany. Its a free kick that's headed onto goal beautifully by Hummels. The ball hitting the cross bar but still going on. France did not want to find themselves behind this early. The Germans with most of the possession thus far, but the French with 2 or 3 dangerous opportunities themselves.
27' The Germans passing extremely well, finding all kinds of space and moving the ball steadily up field and into the attacking third against France. France need to do better in midfield, and make their counterattacks up the wings more effective if they don't want to find themselves down another goal. So far, they are unable to beat the German offside trap and the high german line of defense.
45' France with some dangerous possession in front of the German goal, but Benzema and company lacking the finishing touch that saw them score 8 in their first two matches. They'll have to make better touches and better finishes to come back in this one. Germany playing well, and aside from the occasional long ball that gets in behind their defense, they look very much in control.
60' France coming out very well in the second half, with nearly all of the possession and maintaining play in their attacking half. They're attacking well done their left side, and able to play the ball across into the box, but still unable to finish with a goal. Klose and Muller combining well in attack, but lacking just that one or two extra men in support to convert their runs into goals.
75' France still with excellent opportunity, but just lacking that final touch. Benzema, and really all of the French players seeing the ball in the box, perhaps being too patient, and taking one too many touches when the ball comes his way, as opposed to simply unleashing a strikers fury onto the ball and on goal. Germany defending well, and not without counterattacking opportunities themselves.
82' Oh my a brilliant counterattack by Germany on a four on two opportunity ends with an excellent opportunity for Schurrle but Lloris doing just enough to save the shot, or rather Schurrle not doing enough to beat Lloris. The game opening up now, and France need to be careful of the German counterattack, and they'll have to start finding their scoring touch soon.
Final' Well its all over. One last second chance by Benzema, but the shot saved by the keepers hands. Germany through to the semifinal for the fourth consecutive world cup, ending in one second place and two third places already, and they'll look to improve on that. France starting their competition out very well and just running out of gas against better competition, but they're a young team and will look to continue to improve and make a strong outing next time out.
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