A mouthwatering semi-final showcase sees France take on Germany in what promises to be the game of the tournament so far.
The Euro 2016 hosts will be out to avenge their World Cup defeat two years prior to the current world champions. Outside90’s Connor Clements selects the best performers from both sides for our pre-match combined XI.
Goalkeeper – Manuel Neuer (Germany)
Simply the best in the world, Neuer again showed his class in a surprising penalty shootout against Italy by crucially saving multiple spot-kicks to send his national team through. In the process he usurped the ageless Gigi Buffon to fully claim the position of top gloveman at the tournament.
Centre-back – Mats Hummels (Germany)
The Bayern bound Hummels has taken his form from Dortmund straight into these finals and is a wall at the back for Germany, forming a formidable centre-back combination with countryman Jerome Boateng. The success of the Die Mannschaft side in this competition has been built from the back and Hummels’ experience is a crucial part.
Centre-back – Laurent Koscielny (France)
The 30-year-old has made the position of first choice France centre-back his own this tournament and whether he plays alongside Rami or Umtiti, he always looks solid. His performances in the Euros have been impressive throughout, and he would most definitely make it into the squad of the tournament.
Centre-back – Jerome Boateng (Germany)
Quarter-final penalty meltdown notwithstanding, Boateng is a world-class defender who is capable of performing quality tackles and also switching up play with his precision passes. He is a force to be reckoned with when he is in full flight, just do not expect him not to throw his hands up in the air at the most inopportune times.
Central-midfield – Toni Kroos (Germany)
No other player has had more touches of the ball than the heartbeat of the German team. His passing is so accurate and his form so consistent, he is like a metronome that never ceases to dictate the play. With Kroos keeping proceeding nicely ticking over in midfield, Joachim Loew’s side are always favourites to win the game. He hardly ever makes mistakes and is just so ridiculously comfortable on the ball.
Central-midfield – Paul Pogba (France)
Young and unquestionably talented, some argue that the European young player of the year is overrated. He has shown his class on multiple occasions throughout this tournament, however, scoring goals and playing a crucial role for his country. A talisman of sorts, the tall and powerful Pogba has proven that he has the ability and the temperament to be a real asset to France’s hopes of glory at Euro 2016.
Attacking-midfield – Julian Draxler (Germany)
So young and yet so supremely talented, Draxler showed his confidence when he converted a pressure penalty against Italy while so many others miscued, and he almost singlehandedly dismantled Slovakia in the round of 16. Two parts flair and two parts substance, this young man is proof that the German factory of technically gifted youngsters is still producing plenty of talent for the next generation of Die Mannschaft.
Attacking-midfield – Dimitri Payet (France)
His is the name on everyone’s lips. Adored by many, despised by few. The West Ham man has set the tournament alight from the outset, from his stunning strike to sink Romania in the opener, to his sumptuous finish and assists against Iceland. Payet is a player that has proven invaluable to club and country in 2015-16. His passion and ability are a joy for any football fan to behold.
Attacking-midfield – Mesut Ozil (Germany)
Against Italy he was at times unplayable, in transition he is a seamless conductor and on the pitch he just makes football look so simple. A peerless passer and superb reader of the game, Ozil is a true artist in the style of German masters of a by-gone era. One who constantly silences his critics, he can turn a game with a flick of his exquisite left boot.
Striker – Antoine Griezmann (France)
Inspired against Iceland, consistently brilliant in the other encounters, the French forward is my pick for player of the tournament. He leads the race for golden boot, as well helping himself to two assists. The Atletico Madrid man seems to have shrugged off his disappointment in losing the Champions League to Real Madrid, and instead looks to be pouring all his energy into winning an international trophy for his country. France will hope that he can lead them all the way to silverware.
Striker – Olivier Giroud (France)
Much maligned, the Arsenal man has responded in typical Giroud fashion by scoring goals with his head, and playing with his heart on his sleeve. He has also chimed in with a couple of assists as well. No one can argue that he has been very effective for Les Bleus in Karim Benzemas absence, as he had ably filled the shoes of Real Madrid’s fallen star.
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