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Germany secured a familiar World Cup semi-final berth with a minimum of fuss as French hopes of avenging past injustices shrivelled and died in the Maracana.
This is the fourth World Cup in a row that Germany have the last four of the tournament, and France had little answer to Mats Hummels' 12th minute header.
Germany always looked comfortable with the slender lead and it was Joachim Low's side who came closest to scoring again before settling for a 1-0 result.
This was a blow to French pride, the country remembering with bitterness semi-final defeats by Germany in 1982 - the infamous Harald Schumacher challenge on Patrick Battiston - and 1986.
For some reason, Didier Deschamps' side seemed strangely subdued in the manner of their defeat. Even towards the final whistle there seemed little urgency.
Show all 22 1 /22France 0 Germany 1 player ratings France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Hugo Lloris Very little the Tottenham goalkeeper could have done about Mats Hummels’ magnificent header in the first-half. An otherwise flawless display. 7
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Patrice Evra Playing with much more pride than he did four years ago in South Africa, the Manchester United left-back tried tirelessly until the very last. 7
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Mathieu Debuchy Has been a menace this summer but lacked the conviction to get forwards today. Ultimately left his teammates with no cover in offensive positions. 6
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Raphael Varane One of the few French players to blend passion with composure, Raphael Varane was an outlet in attack and a rock at the back. 7
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Mamadou Sakho Renowned for his Jekyll and Hyde performances, this was a decidedly shaky outing from the Liverpool man. 6
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Blaise Matuidi With a distribution which could have proved so much more damaging to the German defence, Blaise Matuidi delivered a decent shift but could have done more. 6.5
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Yohan Cabaye Composed on the ball, the former Newcastle United midfielder was typically adventurous and mobile in the middle. 7
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Paul Pogba Like many of his teammates, Paul Pogba was impressive in the first half but impotent in the second. Just when France needed him, he faltered on the big stage. 6
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Antoine Griezmann Ran the line admirably in the first half but disappeared into backdrop in the second period. 6.5
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Mathieu Valbuena Perhaps France’s best player of the afternoon, the Marseille winger showed a desire to get forwards whenever he picked up the ball. 8
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Karim Benzema Was left isolated for much of the game but managed to carve a series of opportunities out for himself. Should have scored at least one of them. 6
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Manuel Neuer Proved once again why so many consider the Bayern Munich keeper to be the best in world football. His last minute save from Karim Benzema, as nonchalant as it was brilliant, summed up his day. 7.5
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Philipp Lahm Moved back into right-back, after Joachim Low had seemingly decided his tactics were failing, the German captain eased back onto place effortlessly. 7
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Jerome Boateng A decent showing from the former Manchester City defender. 6.5
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Benedikt Howedes Had a quiet afternoon in left-back for Germany but made a number of valuable interceptions early on. 6
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Mats Hummels A warrior at the heart of Germany’s defence, Mats Hummels deserved his goal and then some. Blocking every ball which came his way, it’s no surprise France struggled to score. 8
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Sami Khedira While many will remember his cynical challenge on Mathieu Valbuena, this was a strong midfield display from the Real Madrid star. 7
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Bastian Schweinsteiger Sat just in front of the German backline, Bastian Schweinsteiger had an important job to do today and did it well. 7
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Toni Kroos Like Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos had the ability to fade into the background today. His assist, however, for Mats Hummels’ goal proved invaluable. 7
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Mesut Ozil Occasionally going missing, Arsenal’s playmaker will most likely be disappointed with his efforts. 6
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Thomas Muller Proved to be a menace whenever he picked up the ball. Tested the French defence regularly and was unlucky not to etch his name onto the scoresheet. 7
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France 0 Germany 1 player ratings Miroslav Klose The German legend must wait a while longer to break Ronaldo’s World Cup goal-scoring record and he was left wanting by his teammates too. 6.5
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