Former Netherlands forward Ruud Gullit on Match of the Day: "It is difficult for the Germans to find space, it is difficult for both sides but Germany have the initiative and try to make the play. The danger is always waiting for the counter attack."

Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst on MOTD

Image source, Getty Images

"Didier Deschamps will be saying get Paul Pogba and Mathieu Valbuena on the ball as often as possible in the second half because they can make things happen."

So far so good for Die Mannschaft. They are 45 minutes from another place in the history books.

Juicy Luc:, external "That sweeper just turned into a decent goalkeeper!"

Donald Oluoch:, external "What's up with the new diving trend in this World Cup? Player simulation has been professionalised. Klose taking after Robben."

Sharon Manak:, external "The Germans are solid and fearless they've really done their homework, the French look tired."

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And there's little time for France to mount another attack. Germany head into the bowels of the Maracana holding a vital lead. Mats Hummels' header separating the European giants.

One minute of stoppage time before the half-time oranges are dished out.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin
BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, AFP

"Karim Benzema is such a typical centre-forward - he walks around with hunched shoulders and doesn't want to close players down but give him the ball in his favourite area and he comes alive. Manuel Neuer was in the right place again."

Karim Benzema is finding pockets of space in the German defence now. The Real Madrid man peels off to the left, picks up Paul Pogba's raking pass, cuts inside two German defenders and.... fires tamely into Manuel Neuer's arms.

Almost a decent chance for the French. Karim Benzema peels off his marker into space, but Mats Hummels wakes up to stick his gut into the path of the France striker's header.

David Ornstein
BBC Sport

Image source, Reuters

"That chance for Mathieu Valbuena has finally given the France supporters something to cheer about. They were looking fairly dejected until then, preferring to jeer opposition possession rather than will their own team forward.

"But Les Blues are starting to expose Germany's high defensive line and will be confident of working their way back into this match."

You can watch Valbuena's chance again via the highlights tab at the top of the page.

Germany win a free-kick in an identical spot to the one which set up the opening goal - but this time the French get their act together and head clear. Under five minutes for Les Bleus to grab an equaliser before half-time.

Play restarts after confused-looking referee Nestor Pitana asks Germany's Thomas Muller where he should start play from. "Just outside the France area" was presumably his reply..

Image source, Getty Images

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin
BBC Radio 5 live

"Manuel Neuer's save from Mathieu Valbuena was absolutely first class, somehow he sticks out a left hand - for me that is one of the saves of the tournament.

"What France need in midfield is a Michel Platini - somebody who can play that ball over the top of the Germany defence so it just sits up. Karim Benzema is not working hard enough - he is leaving it to the wide players to make that run in behind when it should be him."

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

Lawro also reckons that Manuel Neuer is "without a doubt" the best goalkeeper in the world. Think a few others might have something to say about that...

Short break as Germany midfielder Sami Khedira is whacked in the head by a loose ball. Both sets of players take advantage by putting plenty of fluids in the tank.

Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst on MOTD

Image source, Reuters

"A brilliant save, a good run and then a good ball in also. There was great pressure on Karim Benzema after the first save from Mathieu Valbuena, who did well to get his shot away from the angle he was in. France carry a threat."

Watch Valbuena's chance again via the highlights tab at the top of the page.

Now it's France turn to pile on the pressure. Germany keeper Manuel Neuer gets his gloves mucky for the first time, springing into action to palm away Mathieu Valbuena's effort as Karim Benzema prods wide the rebound with the aid of a deflection. Then, Mamadou Sakho heads over the cross bar from the resulting corner. Warning signs for the Germans.

Another Germany penalty shout is met by another blank expression from referee Nestor Pitana. Thomas Muller, socks rolled down like his 1970s namesake Gerd, goes down under a clumsy challenge from Mathieu Debuchy. Not enough contact for me.

A flurry of German corners as they look to entice France keeper Hugo Lloris off his goal-line. He bites on the bait like a hungry koi carp, but gets away with a failed attempt to punch clear as one of his defenders head away the danger.

Great to see Germany skipper Philipp Lahm in a more familiar position at right-back. The 'Magic Dwarf' as he is nicknamed - honestly - rises highest to nod back a French cross safely to keeper Manuel Neuer. All under control.

Image source, AP

Lewis Borlase:, external "I wonder how many chances the wasteful Benzema will waste today."

Nathan Bright:, external "In typical German fashion they've just put a towel down to reserve their spot in the semi-finals."

Jacques O'Neill:, external "Pogba is not the future, he is not a Zidane, Deco, Rui Costa or Riquelme. He has strength energy etc he could be a Vieira."

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Image source, AFP