Germany saw off France in a dramatic World Cup quarter-final to book their place in the final four.
It took Mats Hummels just 12 minutes for Joachim Low’s men to get going with a precise header that proved enough for Germany to win 1-0.
But how did the players get on individually? JOE CALLAGHAN gives his ratings.
GERMANY
Manuel Neuer: 7
Thirty-two years after Harald Schumacher grabbed the headlines against France, Neuer had a quieter afternoon.
Philipp Lahm: 7.5
Removed as defensive midfield pivot to steady a shaky defence, the captain thrived in more familiar ground.
Jerome Boateng: 6
Preferred to Per Mertesacker as Hummels’ partner but still looked vulnerable to balls over the top.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch Germany fans celebrating their side’s win over Fance
Save: Manuel Neuer was strong in goal for Germany as per and helped them win with a clean sheet
Stop: Neuer kept Germany in the tie right up to the final few minutes when France threatened to equalise
Mats Hummels: 7
Was missed so badly against Algeria but returned here to contribute hugely. A superb header opened the scoring.
Benedikt Howedes: 6.5
Not in his natural role but continues to show little evidence of being uncomfortable as a full back.
Bastian Schweinsteiger: 7.5
Another to benefit from the Lahm switch, he revelled in being the quarterback again. Couple of key interceptions too.
Leap: Germany defender Jerome Boateng (right) tries to win the ball during the quarter-final clash
Peace: Bastian Schweinsteiger (right) made key interceptions and looked comfortable as quarterback
Sami Khedira: 6
Not as busy as his defensive midfield partner but got through what work he had diligently. Deserved yellow card from cynical play.
Thomas Muller: 6.5
Removed from false nine duties to act as a deeper and wider foil in the attack but still an absolute pest.
Toni Kroos: 6.5
The man with the most completed passes in the tournament was at it again. Superb delivery for the opener.
Rally: Thomas Muller encourages his Germany team-mates during their crucial win over France
Opener: Germany celebrate after their first goal to get them on their way to the World Cup semi-finals
Mesut Ozil: 6
Needed an upturn against Algeria and provided it. Carried that improved form here. Busy if a little isolated from play.
Miroslav Klose: 6
Low went horses for courses and finally called on his World Cup thoroughbred. Led the line energetically but threw in an awful dive too.
Manager Joachim Low: 8
Made some huge calls in team selection and saw one immediately justified with Hummels’ goal.
Yellow cards: Khedira (54), Schweinsteiger (80)
Boss: Germany manager Joachim Low (right) chats with assistant coach Hansi Flick during the win
Celebrate: Germany made the semi-finals after seeing off France in a tight encounter
Premier League pedigree: Per Mertesacker hugs Bacary Sagna in the tunnel after the crunch match
FRANCE
Hugo Lloris: 6
Nothing the captain could do about Mats Hummels’ header. Attempts at quick distribution came to little.
Mathieu Debuchy: 6
Marshalled Ozil relatively well. Tried to get forward plenty but got little change out of Howedes.
Raphael Varane: 5
Preferred to Laurent Koscielny but so easily out-muscled by Mats Hummels for the opener. Not a great day out.
In: Hugo Lloris dives to make a save but couldn’t stop Mats Hummels from giving Germany the lead
Backtracking: Lloris could do nothing about Hummels’ header and could not captain his side to victory
Mamadou Sakho: 5.5
Still struggles to convince that he’s the £15million defender Liverpool thought they were getting. Nervy.
Patrice Evra: 6
Toiled at times against Nigeria but more solid here. Superb cross to Benzema before break deserved better.
Yohan Cabaye: 6
Withdrawn after 73 minutes of trying – but failing – to control operations in midfield. Lacked support but he’s had better days.
Beaten: Patrice Evra loses out on a header during France’s loss to Germany in the quarter-final
Task: Yohan Cabaye was withdrawn after 73 minutes after trying – but failing – to control the game
Blaise Matuidi: 5.5
Blessed not to have been suspended for this one but he struggled to impose himself at times in the middle.
Paul Pogba: 6.5
Took it to the Germans with five first-half dribbles but we’ve already come to expect so much more. For him, a quiet day.
Mathieu Valbuena: 6
He might not make it much higher than the corner flag but he has really raised his game in Brazil. Not enough though.
Control: France crashed out of the World Cup in the quarter-finals but Germany make the final four
Heading home: Benzema couldn’t find the back of the net, despite his last-gasp effort
Karim Benzema: 6
Drew back-to-back blanks after a red-hot start to the tournament but had chances to get back on the board here. Couldn’t take them.
Antoine Griezmann: 5.5
Could have laid one on a plate for Benzema early on had he steadied himself. Little impact overall.
Manager Didier Deschamps: 6
Like his opposite number, made a change in central defence but it wasn’t nearly as successful.
Yellow cards: NONE
Gutted: France crashed out of the World Cup at the hands of Germany and will be heading home
Frustrated: France manager Didier Deschamps could do little to lift his team to the World Cup semi-finals
Referee Nestor Pitana (Argentina): 7
Got two first-half penalty calls spot on. Otherwise was unfussy and happy to let things flow.
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