The two European heavyweights square off in the first quarter finals of this World Cup at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on Friday. Neither France nor Germany had the easy ride many predicted against their African opposition in the Round of 16 with France beating Nigeria in the closing stages of the game and Germany requiring extra time to overcome Algeria.
Special Offer: $700 France vs Germany FREE BET at Luxbet – 1 Available
After the sizzling start to the tournament with a 4-0 thrashing of Portugal, Germany have cooled considerably. They were held 2-2 by Ghana in the second match before a narrow 1-0 win rounded up their group stage campaign. The Germans were particularly poor in the Round of 16 match against Algeria and could not score in regulation time despite registering 22 shots. However, no one can afford to write Germany off. Despite the fact that the forward trio of Thomas Mulller, Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil failed to shine against Algeria, Coach Joachim Leow still has a host of attacking options on the bench. Chelsea attacker Andre Schurrle came on to score the winning goal in extra time, while Miroslav Klose is the World Cup’s joint-top scorer of all time.
For the French, their 2-0 win over African Champions Nigeria in the second round was not as comfortable as it sounds. The Nigerians created all sorts of problems for them with their pace and power while the French found their own attacking attempts rather disjointed. The breakthrough eventually came in the last fifteen minutes when powerhouse midfielder Paul Pogba scored with a header before a late own goal by Joseph Yobo rounded off the victory for France. France coach Didier Deschamps tried to play both Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud in attack but both players underwhelmed as Benzema struggled out wide while Giroud was pedestrian upfront. The introduction of Real Sociedad winger Antoine Griezmann gave the French more fluency in attack and Deschamps will be hoping the 23–year old can pick up where he left off.
TEAM NEWS
Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is back to fitness but Leow might opt for Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira to battle the power of the French midfield. In attack, Mario Gotze was disappointing last time out and the youngster might be dropped in favour of veteran Miroslav Klose to give the Germans more bite upfront.
For France, Coach Didier Deschamps will have learnt from the tactical mistake he made against Nigeria by playing Antoine Griezmann from the start. The combination of Griezmann’s pace and fullback Patrice Evra’s marauding runs will give France a viable attacking outlet via the left.
Special Offer: $250 France vs Germany FREE BET at Sportsbet – 3 Available
Probable Lineups
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Howedes, Hummels, Mertesacker, Boateng; Khedira, Lahm, Kroos; Ozil, Klose, Muller
France (4-3-3): Lloris; Evra, Sakho, Varane, Debuchy; Cabaye, Pogba, Matuidi; Griezmann, Benzema, Valbuena
PREDICTION
On paper, these teams would probably cancel each other out- at least their starting XI. Where the difference will be made however, is on the substitutes bench and I think Germany have better options on the bench should things get sticky.
Tip: Germany 2 – 1 France at $10 with Bet365 – Join Now for a $200 FREE BET – Limited Offer
