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Germany, Brazil first to advance into semifinals
Brazil Soccer WCup Ge Heal
Germany's Mats Hummels, center, scores the opening goal during the World Cup quarterfinal match between Germany and France at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday. Germany advanced with a 1-0 victory. - photo by Associated Press
RIO DE JANEIRO — It just wouldn't be the World Cup without Germany in the semifinals. Harnessing all their big-game experience, the Germans delivered a performance of maturity and efficiency to hold off France 1-0 on Friday and become the first team to reach four straight semifinals in the sport's marquee tournament. Defender Mats Hummels capped a fine individual display at both ends of the pitch by scoring the winning goal in the 13th minute, outmuscling his marker at a free kick to glance a header in off the underside of the crossbar.