RIO DE JANEIRO — Germany reached the semifinals for a fourth straight World Cup by beating France 1-0 Friday in a cagey match settled by a first-half header from Mats Hummels.
The center back headed Toni Kroos' free kick in off the underside of the bar in the 13th minute in one of the few chances created in muggy conditions at Maracana stadium.
Germany will play Brazil or Colombia in the semifinals on Tuesday as it seeks a fourth world title.
France struggled to impose its attacking game in the face of a robust, experienced Germany side that seemed more comfortable on the big stage.
Mathieu Valbuena and Karim Benzema had France's best chances saved in the first half, with the German lineup holding off late pressure with apparent ease.
Germany beats France 1-0, reaches World Cup semis
Germany's Mats Hummels, centrer, scores the opening goal during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Germany and France at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, July 4, 2014. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)