Pre-Game France vs Germany

The two teams have not exactly set the field on fire with their performances as Germany was largely convincing in its run to the quarter finals with only once comfortable victory i.e., 4-0 against Portugal. For the rest of the fixtures they have had to struggle, especially in the Last 16 game against Algeria. The North Africans played the best game of their lives and almost took Joachim Loew’s side by surprise. But somehow the Germans pulled off a 2—1 victory with a lot of hard work.

France, meanwhile, has had a relatively easy campaign. Didier Deschamps’ side cruised past its first two games as they were held to a draw in their third by a lowly Ecuadorian side. They too, had to work harder for their victory prior to reaching the Quarter Finals as Nigeria turned out to be.

Top players to look out for:

Thomas Muller has been a key man in Germany’s attack having been the pivot behind six goals; 4 goals and 2 assists. He will be holding his role with much larger significance than before and will be expected to score. Hummels is back from an illness and he will be crucial to his country’s otherwise shaky defense. He will be expected to hold his fort deny any advances from the French attack. For the Les Bleus, Karim Benzema will spearhead the attack with his role upfront and will hope to find breakthrough in front of the goal. Youngster Paul Pogba also has a lot riding on him after his impressive performances and he will hope to live unto it.

Teams head-to-head:

The two teams have played each other 25 times with France winning 11 times and Germany 8 times. They have a goal tally of 83 between them with the Germans scoring 42 and the French 41.

Probable line-ups:

France (4-2-1-3): Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Matuidi, Cabaye; Pogba; Valbuena, Benzema, Griezman.

Germany (4-3-3): Neuer; Hummels, Boateng, Mertesacker, Howedes; Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Kroos; Özil, Müller, Götze.

Prediction:

This is going to be a very tight fixture going by their recent history, France has a upperhand. Expect the match to lead to Penalty Shoot-outs.

Final Score Prediction: France 2 – 1 Germany.