An epic Euro 2016 semi-final sees powerhouse Germany facing host nation France at the Stade Vélodrome on Friday morning.
Joachim Loew’s side still may not have hit their full potential, grinding their way into the last four after the war of attrition that was their semi-final against Italy. It took until the 65th minute for Mesut Ozil to put the Germans ahead, yet Jerome Boateng’s handball inside the box would ultimately see the game go through to one of the more intense penalty shootouts in recent memory. With the imposing Gigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer between the posts – it took nine attempts from the spot for the reigning world champions to end their Azzurri curse.
Conversely, Les Bleus come into the semi-finals having blown the fairy tale of Iceland’s Euro 2016 run to pieces with a 5-2 triumph. An early opener from Olivier Giroud, followed by goals from Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann saw the match effectively over in the first 45 minutes and although two goals were conceded in the second-half, few fans were complaining after the masterful display.
Key Battle – Toni Kroos vs Dimitri Payet
The world champions been far from comfortable at this tournament, and a severely depleted Germany lineup will only pile pressure upon their remaining experienced figures to carry the weight. In the side’s times of need it is Toni Kroos who has remained ice cold in the centre of the pitch, providing a barrier that has kept a defence not without cracks out of the firing line, while also generating some of the team’s best chances to score with pinpoint set pieces. He will, however, be missing his first choice midfield partner in Sami Khedira, meaning his focus may be more towards covering the backline.
And if there was ever a time when the Die Mannschaft defence needed this protection, it will be in Marseille. France’s attack has arguably been the most potent at the competition, with the head-turning form of Dimitri Payet at the forefront. The 29-year-old has three individual goals and two assists already, proving to be as devastating in the national colours as he was for West Ham.
The two will provide a spectacular, and crucial match-up on the field – as Kroos will need to quieten the ability of the playmaker, who could decide the match himself if given the opportunity.
Team News
Whatever injury worry Loew had heading into the tournament must seem insignificant compared to the headaches that face the German coach ahead of this match. Khedira, along with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gomez will all likely miss with injuries, while Mats Hummels is also unavailable after picking up two yellow cards. Expect Joshua Kimmich, Benedikt Höwedes and Jonas Hector to fill out the defence, and Emre Can to partner Toni Kroos. Either Mario Gotze or Thomas Muller could be utilised as a striker in the absence of Gomez.
It is a far cry from Didier Deschamps’ situation, whose French ranks are bolstered by the return of N’Golo Kante from suspension, with the rest of the starting XI likely to remain unchanged.
Head-to-head
This will be the 28th encounter between the two countries, who have an extremely close rivalry that dates back over 80 years. The French have a narrow advantage with 12 wins, compared to 10 for Die Mannschaft and five ending in draws.
Previous Meeting
Les Blues will know they can score against the Germans after recording a 2-0 victory in a November friendly, however, the match was marred by violent attacks on the streets of Paris the same night. In their last meeting on a big stage, Loew’s side edged out France 1-0 on their way to the 2014 World Cup.
Prediction
A lot will come down to the opening stages of this game, where Germany will look to set a methodical pace and keep France from breaking through in the same fashion they did against the Icelanders. The losses of key defensive figures in Hummels and Khedira may hurt the world champions too much though, and the combination of momentum, attacking style and home support will see France into the final.
Germany 0 France 2
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