In
a battle between the under-rated French and the top seeded Germans, one might
expect anything as the way both of these teams have come out in flying colors
from their respective groups. Germany has made it to the World Cup semifinals 3
times in a row before this and keeping in mind the squad depth and the
versatility they have in their ranks, they are going into this match as
favorites. On the other hand, the dark horses French have surprised everybody
by playing their brand of attacking football and they are certainly the team to
beat in this competition so far. And if the history is taken as the bench mark
in this case, than the French certainly lead the way.
Since 1994, France have won 4 out
of 6 matches against the Germany side.
Keeping
in mind the statistics when both of these sides met against each other, the
French have scored 10 times in the last 7 matches when both of these sides met.
While the immediate future certainly looks tilted towards Joachim Low side, the
past looks nearly balanced as France have won 11, lost 9 and drawn 5 in the
last 25 times both of these sides met.
Germany:
Germany
started their pursuit to glory in tremendous fashion as they thoroughly
dismantled Portugal in a match that was expected to be nothing less than a
finale. However, they got the reality check from the Ghana team when they
avoided defeat narrowly thanks to a Miroslav Klose record setting goal. After
that match against the African side, the Germans haven’t looked on top form as they
narrowly beaten a USA side before Algeria forced them to go on extra time in
the pre quarter finals of the world cup.
Thomas Muller has been the top
scorer for Germany as he scored 4 goals in as many games for them.
While
Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez stole the headlines in pre quarters, the top
scorer for Germany in Thomas Muller looked a bit rusty against a solid and
heavy tackling Algeria side. He will have to be on top form if Germany are to
force their way into the top 4.
France:
After
coming 2nd in their group of the world cup qualifying campaign,
France had to go through the brutal play offs as they saw off a noisy Ukrainian
side after going down in the 1st leg by 2 goals. Since then, the
French seemed not to look back as they thwarted every team that come their way.
Amid the controversial decision by Didier Deschamps to drop out Samir Nasri,
Valbuena - - Nasri replacement has notched his game several levels since
putting on the blue shirt in World Cup.
After Karim Benzema, Mathieu
Valbuena has created the most number of chances for the French (11).
One
major thing that distinguishes the French from their opponents in their
defense. With Mamodou Sakho and Rafael Varane in the heart of their defense,
the French side has conceded only 2 goals in 4 matches with three clean sheets.
So the Germans might have to find a solid ploy of unlocking the French defense
when Ozil and Co. will go against Didier Deschamps side.
Team
news:
France:
Lloris;
Debuchy; Varane; Sakho; Evra; Cabaye; Pogba; Matuidi; Valbuena; Giroud; Benzema/
Germany:
Neuer;
Boateng; Mertesacker; Hummels; Howedes; Ozil; Lahm; Schweinstiger; Kroos;
Poldolski; Muller.Amir Bashir follow him on Twitter.
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