France will take on Germany in a glittering Euro 2016 semi-final on Thursday as the European giants go head-to-head in their quest for glory.
France were utterly dominant in their quarter-final tie as they crushed Iceland 5-2 to reach the final four, while it took a dramatic penalty shootout for Germany to edge past the gritty Italians in their last 8 fixture.
The hosts are expected to be back to full strength as coach Didier Deschamps welcomes Adil Rami back into the fold following his suspension for the Iceland game.
Germany will be without leading scorer Mario Gomez for the tie as the striker suffered a hamstring injury that will rule him out for the remainder of the tournament. Joachim Low must also deal with the suspension of the player that separated these two sides when they met during the 2014 Soccer World as Mats Hummels will watch the match from the sidelines.
The reigning World Champions are chasing a record fourth European crown while the French will be seeking their third. The French, however, boast a formidable record as the host nation. Les Blues were crowned European Champions in 1984 and World Champions in 1998, with both wins coming on home soil.
When asked if he was bothered by not having scored so far at Euro 2016, Thomas Muller replied: ‘Goals are not what fuels me. They are maybe the paint job to my car, to look good to the outside. But I am fuelled by my desire for success.’
‘Sure, I would have liked to score. But In South Africa, I finished the World Cup as the top scorer.
‘I missed out in the semi-final with a suspension and we went home. I enjoyed Brazil a lot more. But a goal would help as I would not to have to answer questions about me not scoring anymore!’
History is also in the French’s favour having beaten the Germans 12 times and losing 1o, with the sides having played to a stalemate on five previous occasions.
German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been beaten by Giroud in their last three encounters, something that Neuer will like to rectify on Thursday.
‘He is a very dangerous poacher inside the box. He is strong in the air, he is dangerous for central defenders,’ said Neuer.
‘But we know him and can prepare for him. I don’t like focusing on a special player in the opposing team too much. They bring a lot of quality with other players as well.’
The clash between the heavyweights will take place at the Stade Velodrome, Marseille. Kick-off is at 21:00.
Possible lineups:
Germany
Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jerome Boateng, Benedikt Howedes, Jonas Hector, Emre Can, Toni Kroos, Julian Draxler, Mesut Ozil, Mario Gotze, Thomas Muller
France
Hugo Lloris, Bacary Sagna, Adil Rami, Laurent Koscielny, Patrice Evra, Blaise Matuidi, N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Oliver Giroud, Dimitri Payet
