Host nation France entertain reigning World Champions Germany at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille which will see the winner progress to the final.
It promises to be an enthralling match, with many predicting this is the tie which will eventually decide who lifts the Henri Delaunay Trophy in Paris on Sunday.
Can France build on its momentum?
After firing five past a spirited Iceland and in the process becoming the competition’s top scorers with 11 goals, the question now is can Didier Deschamps’ men continue its auspicious form. Germany are obviously no Iceland, but this match presents itself as a double-edged sword for the French.
The positive is that they appear to have clicked into gear at just the right time and face an understrength German outfit. Contrastingly, France have avoided all the heavyweights hitherto and may lack the sharpness and shrewdness required to compete with the elite teams.
With the game evenly poised as precious little separates the pair, Deschamps will be counting on his stars to replicate their outing against the Nordic nation. Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Dimitri Payet and Olivier Giroud were instrumental in the rout of Iceland – all etching their names on the scoresheet. They will need to be at their best to have any realistic attempt of toppling a well-drilled, disciplined opponent.
Germany’s strength in depth tested following injury crisis
Just how Die Mannschaft cope with its extensive list of absentees remains to be seen, but if they can overcome this dilemma it will only add to its credentials. Joachim Low will be without defender Mats Hummels due to suspension, while Sami Khedira is out after he sustained a muscular problem against Italy. Striker Mario Gomez has been ruled out of the tournament altogether with a torn hamstring and captain Bastian Schweinsteiger’s injury-ravaged championship means he is also doubt for the crucial semi-final clash.
Assuming Low reverts to his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation against Les Bleus, Benedikt Howedes will retain his place to partner Jerome Boateng, after featuring in a three-man defence against the Azzurri. Ironically, Germany have won 72.5 per cent of matches when Hummels is omitted, than when he plays – winning at just 60 per cent.
Emre Can could also make his Euro 2016 debut alongside Toni Kroos in a two-man pivot as a result of the void left behind in central midfield. Julian Draxler should return to the starting XI following his exploits in France, while Mario Gotze and Andre Schurrle will be competing for a spot to lead the line.
History on France’s side at home tournaments
Whenever France seem to play on home soil at major tournaments fortune seems to favour the hosts. In its previous 17 games at major tournaments as hosts, France are unbeaten recording 15 wins and two stalemates.
That extraordinary run includes taking out honours at the 1984 European Champions as well as the triumphant 1998 World Cup campaign. Incidentally, Les Bleus’ last loss at home in a major championship occurred in the Euro 1960 third-place playoff, going down to Czechoslovakia 2-0.
However, despite France possessing a superior overall head-to-head record and an envious home reputation, they have failed to beat Germany at a tournament in their preceding three attempts. Most recently in the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, suffering a 1-0 defeat courtesy of a Hummels header.
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