Moments later, Germany threaten again. Thomas Muller aims to race on to a through ball which cuts apart the French defence. But Patrice Evra and Hugo Lloris do just about enough between them to snuff out the danger.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin
BBC Radio 5 live

"It was tight whether Miroslav Klose was offside or not but there is a definite pull there. Mathieu Debuchy did it quietly on the blind side of the referee, who could not see it."

Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst on MOTD

"Maybe he should have controlled it and had a shot instead. What was that all about?"

Miroslav Klose tumbles to the turf inside the French box. Penalty? Not according to referee Nestor Pitana. And his opinion is the only one which counts. He's having none of it. Too theatrical from Klose.

Karim Benzema is flagged offside for the second time in quick succession - that's like Darren Huckerby is his 1990s heyday. The French are settling into their stride as they try to keep the ball before looking for the quick ball forward which worked so well for Algeria against Germany on Monday.

Image source, AP

Massimo, in Italy, via text: "Germany are showing their strengths....play like this, World Cup is theirs!"

Andrew via text: "Yes! That's exactly what this game needed, and early German goal. France looked happy to sit back, soak up the pressure and let the Germans play all of the football, no France have to go toe-to-toe now."

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin
BBC Radio 5 live

"Germany are a long way ahead in terms of possession and they are not just holding the ball across the back line but trying to break through France - it's possession for a purpose.

"At the moment this is a game of really high technical quality but things will really take off if France can score one back."

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

Are the French already showing signs of frustration? Yohan Cabaye slams late into Miroslav Klose, crudely cutting down the veteran Germany striker. That's no way to treat a World Cup record goalscorer...

Joachim Low, looking resplendent in his usual all-in-black shirt and trousers combo, is already chewing on his fingernails in the German dug-out. Steady on Jogi, there's a long way to go yet. His players are firmly in control at the moment, midfield trio Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger dictating the tempo.

Image source, EPA

Image source, AP

Tom McGrath:, external "Quality delivery. Quality header. Quality goal."

Samuel Rhydderch:, external "Very clever set play from Germany, getting caught out with the long through balls from the French though ... Creative play."

Adam Momoniat:, external "Varane is a great young player but has just been schooled there by Hummels, was nowhere near stopping the German scoring there."

David Ornstein
BBC Sport

Image source, AP

"Germany's celebrations were notable for their restraint. That opening goal is a reward for their early pressure, but there's a long way to go yet. Mats Hummels wheeled away to the corner flag but there was no over-exuberance.

"On the touchline, coach Joachim Low threw his arms into the air but quickly pulled them down and regained his focus. The Germany fans, by contrast, are loving it."

Have France got the stomach for the fight? Yup. They go on the attack as Mats Hummels returns to his day job, cutting out a teasing right-wing cross. Plenty of noise from the Germans inside the Maracana now.

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin
BBC Radio 5 live

"Toni Kroos put the ball into such a dangerous area and Mats Hummels just wanted it more than Rapahel Varane. Varane just didn't have enough power there and France have lost a goal through it.

"Germany will now look to stretch the French as much as possible. But remember, France made chances before conceding that goal and they can make more. An early goal means it will be brilliantly open from now on."

Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst on MOTD

"That was like the header Marouane Fellaini scored for Belgium [against Algeria]. He just helped push the ball on with his head. He was battling with Raphael Varane as well at the time, that was how difficult the finish was. Great for the game."

Image source, EPA

Zut alors! Seconds after twice escaping themselves, the Germans grab the opener. They win a free-kick close to the left touchline and Toni Kroos dinks it into the packed French box. Mats Hummels outmuscles marker Raphael Varane to nod in his second of the tournament. Advantage Germany.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, AFP

You can watch the goal again via the highlights tab at the top of this page.

Mathieu Valbuena is a tricky customer. The diminutive France midfielder tears another hole in the German defence, but pulls back to an empty patch of grass in the danger zone. Moments later, Antoine Griezmann does the same after latching on to a long ball. Double escape for the Germans.

Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst on MOTD

"It was a great ball from Mathieu Valbuena. Quick look, dink to feet, but the finish from Karim Benzema should have been better. Not sure why he went with his sidefoot."

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin
BBC Radio 5 live

"France have joined the game at last, and that is relief as much as anything we can hear from the French fans. Karim Benzema tried to pass it into the net but playing against Manuel Neuer you have to give it some pace as well. Benzema will be thinking he should have put his foot through it."

After riding out the early pressure, France break forward to create a decent chance. Karim Benzema is in confident mood, having scored three times in Brazil already, but fires a volley wide from Mathieu Valbuena's pull-back.