A first half goal from defender Mats Hummels was enough to see Germany beat France 1-0 in the first quarterfinal match of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

A Toni Kroos freekick in the 12th minute was met by Hummels who outmuscled French defender Raphael Varane to power home a header and give Die Mannschaft the lead.

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer then pulled off a good save to keep out a first-time volley from Mathieu Valbuena just past the hald-hour mark, with Hummels denying Karim Benzema on the rebound with a last-ditch tackle.

Having been dominated in the first half, the French tried to get back into the match in the second half but met a resolute German side content with holding on to the early goal and counterattacking when opportuned.

Andre Schürrle was denied by Hugo Lloris after coming on for Miroslav Klose while Benzema saw a goal-bound shot blocked after good work by Varane and substitute Loic Remy to set him up.

Schürrle was twice denied by Lloris in the closing stages as Germany looked more likely to get a second goal to seal progression.

France however should have got an equaliser in stoppage time when Benzema exchanged passes with substitute Olivier Giroud before shooting, only to be denied by Neuer as Germany held out for a lone goal win.

Germany as a result become the first nation ever to reach the semi-final stage of the World Cup four consecutive times.