Germany Face France Again

Germany faces France in a repeat of the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 quarter finals where France lost 1-0 thanks to a Matt Hummels header.

France sailed through against Iceland on Sunday after defeating Iceland 5-2. Germany on the other hand had to rely on luck after marathon penalty shootout that saw them win 6-5 on Saturday.

Both teams have together scored the most goals in the tournament. Both coaches knows what it takes to reach this stage of the Euros. Didier Deschamps captained France past this stage and lifted the trophy at the Euro 2000 Championships.

Joachim Low has coached Germany past the semi-final stage where they met and lost to Spain in the final thanks to a Fernando Torres goal. Low managed Germany to a semi-final match against Italy at Euro 2012 when Germany lost 2-1 and was eliminated from the tournament.

Germany has the best team so far having conceded their first goal to Leonardo Bonucci and Italy on Saturday.

France has relied on the services of Antoine Griezmann and Dmitri Payet and their contributions would prove vital if they are to qualify for the finals.

Germany would be looking to end the psychological turmoil they went through Italy by winning the match in 90 minutes.

Revenge for France or a Continuing Master Class by Germany

Joachim Low relishes the chance of playing against a host nation in three years. Germany hammered Brazil at their backyard and would look to repeat it against France.

Germany ended France’s hopes of advancing further at the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 therefore revenge is only result that would satisfy Didier Deschamps.

The midfield battle that has so far eluded fans in the tournament would come to light when the likes of Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira meet Kante, Pogba, Matuidi and Payet.

An in-form Mario Gomez also faces a rejuvenated Olivier Giroud who scored two goals against Iceland.

Germany against France is a game that would see France advance to the final and aim to continue their quest to win tournaments they host or Germany would join France and Spain as countries that have successively won the World Cup and the Euros.

Germany faces France on Thursday, July 7 at Stade Vélodrome.