RIO DE JANEIRO: Match-winner Mats Hummels admitted, after heading Germany’s World Cup winner against France, that he had not been happy enough with his work in the air in the Bundesliga writes KEIR RADNEDGE.

The 25-year-old Borussia Dortmund central defender rose above the French defence to nod home the only goal of the quarter-final in Maracana. Later he also contributed some solid defensive work which earned him the official man of the match award.

Hummels, asked to explain his similar goals againt both France and Portugal, said: “There is no system to it. The crosses were good and I have been lucky to stand in the right position. I wasn’t too sure of my performance with headers in the Bundesliga in the last two years but now I’m happy.”

Hummels said he expected the ‘passion’ within the team to intensify for the semi-final, whether against Colombia or Brazil.

But beating France was not simple of straightforward.

Hummels said: “We had moments when we could play nicely but we always knew France were among the top teams. It was not a walk in the park but I think we resolved it rather well. We should have taken more advantage of out counter-attacks but I think we can be safisfied.

“We deserved to go on and, if we can carry on this kind of football, a few things could pan out – though the next match will certainly be difficult.”

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