Joachim Loew says consistency was the key to Germany's 1-0 quarter-final win over France as they reached their fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final.

Loew has now reached the semis of all of the last four major tournaments during his eight-year reign as head coach thanks to Mats Hummels' 13th-minute header.

Germany maintain their impressive record of reaching the semi-finals at 13 of the 20 World Cup finals.

Their quarter-final exit at France '98 was the last time they failed to reach the last four.

Loew has five survivors in his squad from the 2006 World Cup in Germany and ten of the side who finished third at South Africa 2010.

But the 54-year-old says maintaining consistent standards within the squad has been the key to Germany's success in Brazil, even after injury deprived him of winger Marco Reus before leaving Germany.

"The team has changed over last few years and there are not many survivors from 2006 and 2010, but it's good to have a few changes, not just the same players who have been at the top level for the last eight to ten years," said Loew.

"We were without Reus, but players like Hummels have come in and done very well.

"We have been working on consistency, invested a lot and we have excellent players."

Loew has a German FA (DFB) contract until June 2016 but is under pressure to end Germany's 24-year wait for a World Cup crown.