GERMANY vs. FRANCE
The Maracana is where both teams hope to shake off uninspiring second-round wins that exposed some frailties.
Contesting a quarterfinal for the ninth straight World Cup, the Germans will start as slight favorites because of their experience but with doubts surrounding a slow, porous defense that was breached repeatedly in the 2-1 extra-time victory over Algeria on Monday.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was forced to play a sweeper role to ensure Joachim Loew's lineup avoided a shocking defeat to the Algerians.
The French left it late against Nigeria, scoring twice in the last 11 minutes to win 2-0 in a gritty performance that didn't live up to the attacking exhibitions they put on in the group stage.
Germany opened with a 4-0 victory over Portugal that immediately put them near the top of contenders for the title, but hasn't reproduced anything close to being that clinical since.
Defense undoubtedly is Loew's chief concern, although the probable return of Mats Hummels at center back after illness will make up for the loss of Shkodran Mustafi for the rest of the tournament with a left hamstring injury. On the eve of the match, Loew said seven of his players had been struggling with sore throats and illness, but he predicted all would be available for selection.
Veteran Germany striker Miroslav Klose may get another chance to break the World Cup scoring record of 15 goals that he shares with Brazil great Ronaldo. Klose is likely to start on the bench behind Thomas Mueller.
There may be a change in the center of France's defense, with Mamadou Sakho available again after a hamstring problem. There's also speculation over who will partner with Karim Benzema in attack, with Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann in consideration.
Any time France and Germany meet, memories are revived of their famous clash in the World Cup semifinals in 1982 when West Germany came from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 and win the shootout. In that game, West Germany goalkeeper Toni Schumacher rushed out of his area and broke the jaw of Patrick Battiston with a feet-first tackle that was not punished.
West Germany also beat France 2-0 in the 1986 World Cup semifinals, but France has won four of its six matches since German reunification in 1990.
Venue: Rio de Janeiro. Kickoff 9:30 p.m.IST(July 4) (noon in New York, 5 p.m. London, 1 a.m. Tokyo)
