Germany reached their 13th World Cup semifinal as a goal from Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels saw Joachim Low's side beat France 1-0 at the Maracana.
Low, who also guided Germany to the last four in South Africa four years ago, sprung a surprise by starting Miroslav Klose up front and moving captain Philipp Lahm to right-back from the central midfield berth he had occupied for most of the tournament.
It was Klose's first start at this year's finals -- he did not feature at all in the round of 16 victory over Algeria -- but he was unable to grab the goal that would have seen him become the World Cup's outright all-time leading scorer.
Germany instead had a defender to thank for their winning goal as Hummels escaped the clutches of Raphael Varane to superbly head home Toni Kroos' 13th-minute free kick.
It was Hummels' second goal at the tournament following his strike against Portugal in the group stage.
Before going behind, France had come close to opening the scoring when Mathieu Valbuena teed up Karim Benzema, only for the Real Madrid man to slot the ball wide. Moments later, Antoine Griezmann -- replacing Olivier Giroud in the starting lineup --- sprung the offside trap but failed to cross for an unmarked Benzema.
With France's midfield trio of Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi struggling to exert the sort of influence they managed in previous games, Germany enjoyed the better of possession, though it was Les Bleus who had a real opportunity to equalise before half-time -- Manuel Neuer saving from Valbuena and Hummels preventing Benzema from bundling in the rebound.
After the interval, France gained a foothold in the game but struggled to break through Germany's resolute defence. Loic Remy was thrown on by Deschamps and he looked to make an early impact, chasing down a Varane pass and playing in Benzema, only for Les Bleus' No. 9 to see his shot blocked.
Matuidi went close for France as Neuer saved his half-volleyed effort before Germany should have put the game to bed -- a late three on two counter-attack resulting in Hugo Lloris making a smart save from Andre Schurrle.
Benzema had one final opportunity in the fourth minute of stoppage time but Neuer produced an excellent save to preserve the 1-0 victory.
Brazil 2 Colombia 1
David Luiz thundered home one of the World Cup's finest goals as Brazil progressed to the semi-finals, disposing of Colombia in an enthralling battle.
However, the 2-1 victory was tinged with concern after star man Neymar left the field on a stretcher in the closing stages.
Brazil will be sweating on their star man's fitness ahead of their semifinal against Germany, which captain Thiago Silva will definitely miss after incurring a suspension for his booking at the Estadio Castelao.
The skipper played a key role in the Selecao's progression in Fortaleza, though, defending resolutely after opening the scoring inside seven minutes.
It was a lead Brazil worked hard to extend and, having seen a Mario Yepes goal ruled out for offside, they struck with aplomb midway through the second half when Luiz sent home an outstanding 35-yard free kick.
James Rodriguez, the competition's top scorer, added to his haul with a penalty but Brazil rode out a nervy final 10 minutes to progress.
