2014 FIFA World Cup: Germany Blanks France, Reaches 4th Straight WC Semifinal Round; Brazil Holds Off Columbia, Loses Neymar For Rest Of Tourney

The quarterfinal round of the FIFA World Cup commenced on Friday with two games contested in Brazil.

At Rio de Janeiro:

Mats Hummels scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute (as shown here) as Germany became the first country ever to advance to four straight World Cup semifinal rounds following their 1-0 victory over France.

Associated Press photo



At Fortaleza:

Thiago Silva (7') and David Luiz (69', that's him celebrating here) each scored a goal as Brazil held off Colombia 2-1 to advance to their first semifinal appearance since 2002, when they last won the title.  The victory came at a steep price, however, as Neymar suffered a fractured vertebra in the 88th minute and will miss the rest of the tournament.

Getty Images photo