Their team might be losing but the pained expression on the French fans in the Maracana stands turn to smiles when they spot their mugs on the big screen. Someone have a word....

Back on the pitch, their team continue to chip away at the German defence. But in truth they don't look like hurting them as Mats Hummels block another probing pass. Four minutes of stoppage time between Germany and the semi-finals.

Low key would be one way to describe this second half - but the Germans will not be complaining.

Andre Schurrle has another chance to kill off the French, but blasts a low shot into the stomach of Les Bleus defender Raphael Varane. They hurt. A lot.

David Ornstein
BBC Sport

Image source, Reuters

"A subdued atmosphere in the stands, little activity on the touchline and a scrappy encounter on the pitch. This match is badly in need of an equaliser if we are to see anything like the drama witnessed so far in this tournament."

Image source, Reuters

Another throw of the tactical dice from both managers. Mesut Ozil is replaced by Mario Gotze in a like-for-like change for Germany, while France - as they must - make a more attacking switch. Arsenal striker Oliver Giroud replaces midfielder Mathieu Valbuena.

Five minutes for Les Bleus to stay in this World Cup.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin
BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Reuters

"The offside decision for the German counter attack was very tight but that should have been game finished there and then for Andre Schurrle and Germany.

"You have to applaud the French. They have made the change and now Antoine Griezmann, Loic Remy, Karim Benzenma and Mathieu Valbuena are all up there.

"The two yellow cards Germany have had in this game have both been great yellow cards. It sounds cynical but both stopped great chances for France on the break."

Image source, AP

End to end stuff now! A France free-kick pinballs around the German penalty area before it cannons off Mats Hummels head and out for a corner. Germany keeper Manuel Neuer gathers the set-piece and launches a quick counter attack. Surely Andre Schurrle must score? Nope, the German substitute rushes his shot and fires straight at Hugo Lloris.

How costly could that be?

The French break quickly on the counter as a German move breaks down through Mesut Ozil on the edge of the opposition box. Antoine Griezmann could be in as he flies forward at pace, but is hauled down by Bastian Schweinsteiger. That is the very definition of a professional foul.

Bob:, external "France need to find the Go switch, at this rate they are going home!"

AADZ:, external "The Germans have the French shackled! Where's the world-class midfield now? Seen nothing of Pogba & co."

Josh Jackman:, external "We were so spoiled by that ridiculously dramatic second round."

David Ornstein
BBC Sport at the Maracana

"An odd scene in the stands as the pockets of Brazil fans begin singing their own songs in an attempt to improve a low-key atmosphere, drawing resounding boos from the German masses around them. Stewards are currently moving in to deal with an incident."

Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst on MOTD

"I just think that if Karim Benzema let the ball run through to Mathieu Valbuena, it might have had a different outcome. Benzema did well, and his shot was blocked but if he let it run through Valbuena was waiting."

Here's the French onslaught. Karim Benzema swivels in the box before seeing his volley blocked by a brilliant sliding challenge from Mats Hummels. Then, Blaise Matuidi tries his luck from a narrow angle, forcing Manuel Neuer to punch clear at his near post. Didier Deschamps fist-pumps his team forward from the touchline.

Not yet. In fact, it is the French defence which is being stretched. Thomas Muller and Mesut Ozil combine to create half a chance, shortly after Andre Schurrle picked another hole in Les Bleus' backline.

Now Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps makes his statement of intent. Off comes holding midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who is replaced by ex-Newcastle team-mate Loic Remy. Can his pace stretch the tiring Germans?

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin
BBC Radio 5 live

"I will have to think about that French change long and hard - when you have to score a goal why would you replace a centre-back with a centre-back? Especially when Mamadou Sakho looked perfectly fine.

"Andre Schurrle was unlucky not to start, I think he is having a great tournament. With his pace he could be the German player to have the most impact on this second half because his team-mates are beginning to run out of legs, there is no doubt about it."

You can listen to BBC Radio 5 live's commentary by clicking on the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

Here's the substitution that the French have been crying out for. Wait - it's not Olivier Giroud. It's not Loic Remy. It's Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny, who trots on in place for Mamadou Sakho. Hmmm...

Image source, AFP

Andre Schurrle almost becomes an instant hero within seconds of his introduction. The German forward is agonisingly close to sticking his toe on to Thomas Muller's wicked low cross from the right.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

These Brazilians are a hard crowd to please. The neutrals in the Maracana are whistling and jeering as the match becomes a little flat.

And here's the German change we expected. Chelsea player Schurrle, who has scored in each of his last five internationals, replaces Klose who will not become the World Cup's outright leading scorer today.

Rather surprisingly it is Germany who blink first. Joachim Low is preparing to bring on Andre Schurrle - which could signal the end of Miroslav Klose's afternoon.

Image source, Reuters

France striker Karim Benzema chests down a deep ball towards the far post but is halted by the referee's whistle as he prepares to thump a shot goalwards. Handball apparently. Benzema looks as bemused as everyone else.

The game is all very bitty now. Neither side is taking it by the scruff of the neck - but it is the French who need to.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin
BBC Radio 5 live

"A great save from Manuel Neuer. Other goalkeepers would have punched that but Neuer gets there with ease, catches it and puts his team back in possession.

"One of the debates I don't want to have is who has been the best goalkeeper at this World Cup - that is a tough one."

Only one way to settle this - by going to the punters. Who would you choose between the sticks in your team of the tournament? Tweet #bbcworldcup, text 81111 or post on our Facebook page.

Image source, BBC Sport