Germany head coach Joachim Low has claimed that "having excellent players" at his disposal was crucial to edging out France to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

A solitary Mats Hummels goal was enough to ensure that the three-time champions will face hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday, but while suggesting that the heat was "beginning to tell", Low was keen to focus on the talent in his squad.

He told reporters: "The only explanation is that we have excellent players. The team has changed since 2006 but while stability is important it is good that the team does not always have the same players.

"We have won 28 out of 31 games and that means we are a solid side with a good attitude.

"We knew how France would play and they are so strong it is difficult to get past them through the centre of the pitch. For that reason I put Lahm on the right hand side so he could support Muller."

Tuesday's game will be Germany's fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final, although their only win in the previous three came against South Korea in 2002.