Hummels Returns, Scores For Germany

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The first quarter-final of the 2014 World Cup was a meeting between European neighbors France and Germany.  France took care of Nigeria in the round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals, while Germany had a tougher match against Algeria that was decided in extra-time.

Mats Hummels returned to the line-up for Germany after missing the match against Algeria due to illness.  His presence was quite influential as the centerback kept Benzeman quiet in the first-half and scored an early goal to give Germany the lead.  Toni Kroos played a free-kick into the box and Hummels won the header at the far-post for the goal (13').

Miroslav Klose was also in the starting line-up for Germany with Özil and Müller as the two other attacking players.  Müller was active in the offense as always, but Klose was less impressive.  The veteran striker scored an important goal against Ghana in the group stage, but has not been as effective in the knock-out rounds.

Benzema was the lone striker for France with Valbuena and Griezmann on the outside.  Benzema had a pretty good game and was on the ball often in the German box.  However Hummels and keeper Neuer had his number and kept Benzema off the score-sheet.  Giroud came into the match late for France as a goal was the only way to stay alive in the World Cup.  He was not given much time though, and he was also unable to score.

Germany were much better today against France than they were against Algeria.  The return of Hummels was a big part of that, but today we also saw for the first time in the tournament Philipp Lahm  starting at rightback.  Previously he has been playing defensive midfield with Boateng in the rightback position.  We will have to wait and see where he plays in the semi-final match against either Brazil or Columbia.