Germany have defeated the French team since 1958 in every competitive game, but the French are getting set to cause an upset on home soil as they both face off in the semi final of the Euro 2016.
The hosts defeated Iceland 5-2 as they matched to the semi final while Germany had to dig deep to see off a resolute and compact Italian side in a penalty shootout, after the match winner couldn’t be decided in regular time.
The French played Germany last year in November at the Stade de France but it wasn’t competitive. Terrorists threatened but the game ended in a 2-0 victory for the French. The terrorists killed one outside the stadium after failing to get inside to wreck more havoc.
When both teams met in a competitive front at the quarter final stage of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Germany emerged victors. France is set to welcome Leicester City’s N’Golo Kante and Adil Rami since the suspended duo would be available after serving their suspension in the Iceland game. Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud were sacrificed early in the game against Iceland as they both had yellow card bookings.
Germany would be without Mario Gomez as he is out injured. Mats Hummels, another tall player, would be out as well as he received a booking in the game against Italy. The manager Joachim Low said: “I am especially sorry for Mario. He put in some good performances at this Euro and has helped the team, not only with his goals. For us, it means we have to accept the new situation and find solutions, which we will do.”
Midfilders Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger [both tall] are doubtful for the game, meaning the Germans would lose the chance to take advantage of the French team vulnerability to aerial ball and set pieces.