Marseille (France): Hosts France and World Cup champions Germany will be rekindling their traditional rivalry on Thursday when they face off in the second semi-final of the European football championship at Stade Velodrome here.
Germany coach Joachim Low has been forced to make changes to his team for today’s match because of injuries and a suspension, including replacing key goal-scorer Mario Gomez, whose two goals helped the world champion to the last four. He has been forced out of the rest of the tournament with a pulled hamstring.
As the two sides gear up to face each other in today’s tie, India TV brings to you five contests to watch out:
N'Golo Kante vs Mesut Ozil
Though Kante missed France’s match against Iceland (beating by 5-2), through suspension, it is expected that he will return to the side today. It is most likely that he will be tasked with nullifying the threat of Mesut Ozil
Bastian Schweinsteiger v Paul Pogba
The center of midfield set to be a key battleground. Germany’s captain Schweinsteiger replaced Khedira in the quarterfinal and despite injury concerns, Löw confirmed that he will start against France.
Antoine Griezmann v Joshua Kimmich
France's Antoine Griezmann is the current top scorer of Euro with 4 goals in 5 games. Whereas Germany’s Joshua Kimmich has became a reason for Germany to have been improving over the time. Kimmich made his competitive debut against Northern Ireland at right back.
Jerome Boateng v Olivier Giroud
The 27-year-old Jerome Boateng is a German footballer wo plays for Germany national team and a versatile defender, Boateng primarily is a centre back, although he is a capable full back on either side.
Where as Olivier Giroud could give a tough competition to Jerome Boateng as Giroud is currently in his fine form for France at Euro 2016, scoring three goals in four appearances in Didier Deschamps' side's run to the semi-finals.
France is euphoric after thrashing dark-horse Iceland 5-2 in the quarterfinals, and finally succeeding in winning the sympathy of the fans, which will put more pressure on the Germans.
All in all, France and Germany have faced each other on 27 occasions in which France won 12 times, Germany earned nine victories, while they drew in nine matches, however France has failed to defeat Germany in a championship game since the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, when France won 6-3.
