2014 FIFA World Cup™ Quarter-Finals: France vs Germany|Fri, Jul 4, 12:00 PMET

why did this match looked like a meaningless friendly?

 

Nope. Considering the only teams to even draw with Germany and score against them have been African teams, I am convinced Nigeria v Germany would have been better in every aspect. France was pathetic, they didn't have the ref guiding them through this time.

 

They chose to lose by a small difference rather than risking everything for an equalizer. Maybe they forgot that group stage is over.

 

Disappointing match by us. But Germany deserved the win. Cruel that Varane had his worst match in Bleu today, he's been excellent every other game he has had.

Congrats to Germany, especially Hummels and also Neuer.

Surprised that Cabaye was subbed off, other than some cynical fouls I thought he was one of the few we had other than Pogba (who wasn't involved enough yet did fine when he was) who actually wasn't sloppy.

And to those who thought it was a boring game, believe me, there's been worse in this World Cup... but given this had the potential to emerge as a great game, it's disappointing, no doubt.

Again, well done Germany.

 

This game gave watching paint dry a great run for its money! Not even a strong and cagey display...no real urgency and Germany only really succeeded France by being first to the ball a few more times!

 

Congratulations to Germany.

 

I agree they should have risked more toward the end. Too conservative. Why take off Valbuena for instance? Take off a DM.

 

While you're taking about 2012, does 2006 not count?

 

DD's a conservative manager. And likely was troubled at how easily Germany broke on the counter in when Schurrle had that opportunity to put the game beyond us. Also, Valbuena was poor. Though he did have a good tournament otherwise (similar to Varane).

 

I agree that Valbuena shouldn't have come off but in fairness to Deschamps he's in a dilemma there. If he substitutes yet another defender for a striker then what would they do in extratime with no defense on the pitch and half the team being strikers?

 

except Italy in 2012
Just like Barca. The rule is true for everyone in the last 7 years except for Atletico last year

 

Uhm... Didn't I just say that??!!

 

They haven't played a CONMEBOL team yet. They will play one in the semi, whether it's Brasil or Colombia.

 

Improvise. If you lose in regulation, there IS no extra time.

 

Yeah, too bad Nigeria never had the opportunity to play in this match instead of France.

 

To be fair I think even Germany-Austria 1982 was a better match than today's

 

What a boring game!!! Wow... this was supposed to be a classic. SNORE!!!!

I guess when thats what happens to this talentless French squad when they can't hack themselves to success.

 

I think France were better than Nigeria. But funnily enough I think Nigeria would have been tougher for Germany to beat than France
Sounds perhaps like a contradiction but I don't think it is.

 

Not the most exciting game indeed but Germany played it out smart and conserved energy for the next game.
France let Germany play too easy, what happened too all that power from the previous France matches?

Germany a deserved winner and I see them reach the final.