Semi-Finals: Germany v France, 7th July, 8pm

[JJ1532]

Very intriguing semi-final here.

Germany come into this perhaps a little tired after their ET exploits against Italy. Is their confidence also a little rattled after their dreadful shootout performance? Oh and Mario Gomez is out, so their system will maybe be a little out of whack as well. They are still Germany and always seem to find ways to win when they don't play well, but they might be vulnerable here.

As for France, they come into this game in better shape, although they aren't without their weaknesses. They have made it through to the semis relatively trouble free, but they have yet to be truly tested by a top team, so this will be totally different to anything they've faced so far. They continue to look shaky at the back, conceding 2 to Iceland once they'd taken their foot off the gas in the 2nd half, but their strike force should have their tails up.

So, what's the outcome of this game? Do Germany come out on top or can France continue their strong run in major competitions on their own turf?

 

[mistermagic]

Beat this steaming pile of wank no problem.

 

[Storzy]

I would have backed Germany for this, but the injuries to Khedira and Gomez have given France the edge for me.

Who plays upfront for Germany?

 

[mistermagic]

Götze would be my guess and he's been shite so far.

 

[Stevencc]

He has, I'd rather see Muller there - though Muller has hardly performed to his capabilities so far in this tournament either.

 

[Storzy]

The answer is obviously Podolski guys. I mean come on!

 

[Benji]

France have undoubtedly had the easiest run to the semi-finals of all four teams. They started off a bit cagey and ineffective, but have looked much better since the second half against the Irish. I don't feel as thought their defence has been tested as much as it will be against the very offensive Germans. I'm expecting a narrow German win, or maybe 7-1.

 

[SALTIRE]

Germany haven't impressed either in the qualifiers or this tournament either imo. They are there for the taking as even a geriatric, if well organised, side like Italy took them the distance.

I said pretournament France would win the whole thing and stick by that. So I think they'll win this match 3 - 1

 

[thespus]

Losing Khedira and Gomez is unfortunate, but neither are near as important as Özil or Kroos. Reus (injured) and Volland (omitted) would have been interesting to see as false 9s. Moreso than Götze. Hopefully the last match was an aberration; I don't think the back 3 formation plays to the side's strengths.

France haven't had too much competition, but their quality is undeniable, and with Giroud in good form, their attackers complement one another well, i.e. Griezmann running into the channels Giroud can open. I am not confident in Germany, but I do think France is a better match up for them than Italy. Özil will find more space. Kroos can dictate the pace better with a less crowded center of the pitch.

 

[Chris FGR]

I would like to see Germany line up something like this, providing Schweinsteiger is fully fit. If he isn't I'd play Weigl instead.

----------------------Neuer---------------------
Kimmich----Boateng----Mustafi----Hector
---------Schweinsteiger---Kroos-------------
Sane----------------Özil-----------------Draxler
----------------------Müller-------------------------

France are vulnerable at full back with the ageing Evra and Sagna, so going with Draxler and Sane's pace out wide could give them problems, especially on the break. Defending at set pieces has also been a problem for the French so I would put Mustafi in ahead of Höwedes (who's a fitness doubt anyway) as he's probably a bigger threat coming up from the back.

Will be tough but I can see Die Mannschaft pulling this off.

 

[Stevencc]

I'm hoping for a German win. That way if we really are in for Pogba we can get things sorted a little earlier.

 

[cufc17]

I'd like to see Germany win tonight, and I'm fairly confident they will. France haven't been totally convincing, and they are vulnerable at the back, so I think Germany can grab a few goals. Having said that, France have goals in their team and a lot of attacking threat.

It could be a great game, I can't see either team playing defensively.

3-1 Germany

 

[SamScfc]

I think Deschamps has shown with his team selection tonight how poor he is tactically. Kante would be perfect against Germany, they're experts at keeping the ball and Kante is an expert at getting back, instead he goes for 2 box to box midfielders who could get caught out.

2-1 Germany.

 

[ThisTinpotLeague]

I bloody love it when football supporters tell world-leading international coaches where they're going wrong.

This game is going to deliver and France are going to win.

 

[Bilo]

Rooting for France but have a sneaky feeling Germany will win because they're Germany.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Think this will be a really good game, Germany having to change their system due to no out and out striker could make this interesting, especially now France have made defensive changes. Playing Griezman through the middle has of course made a massive difference to the French. I think France would be a better final against Portugal but I see Germany finding a way to win yet again. 2-1 Germany.

 

[JimJams]

I bloody love it when football supporters tell world-leading international coaches where they're going wrong.

Yup. Clearly only part time dentists have any inkling about football outside those who make a living from it.

 

[Stevencc]

Griezmann should have done better there.

 

[thespus]

Griezmann should have done better there.

To be fair, he did incredibly well just to get there.

 

[Stevencc]

To be fair, he did incredibly well just to get there.

He did but if you find yourself there you have to produce something better than that to beat Neuer.

 

[Stevencc]

Giroud was running in slow motion.

 

[JimJams]

Shame Giroud has the pace of a snail. When you can't beat Howedes in a foot race you should probably arrange a medical just to confirm wether you're clinically dead.

 

[JimJams]

Wow.

 

[JimJams]

Commentators say harsh but actually I think that's fair enough.

 

[Super_horns]

Good half - and some drama at end!

Harsh decision I thought but seen those given before.

 

[JimJams]

What the fuck is Keown blabbering on about? "Can the ref really see that?". Evidently he or one of his team can, so what the fucks the issue?

 

[Stevencc]

Germany have been the better side, dominated the game...and trudge down the tunnel behind.

 

[thespus]

Commentators say harsh but actually I think that's fair enough.

Agreed. Absolutely foolish from Schweinsteiger. Same as Boateng vs. Italy.

Best half of football we've seen in awhile. Germany mostly in control, but France have had chances.

Can needs to be off. He's offered little except runs from deep, and he's on a yellow. Weigl is better suited for dictating tempo, but that's not really what Germany need now.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

That's a great decision by the referee, no reason for his hand to be up there in the penalty area, cool penalty from Griezman. France far from deserve this as Germany have dominated the ball and looked the better side, sets up a great second half.

 

[ThisTinpotLeague]

Germany have been the better side, dominated the game...and trudge down the tunnel behind.

Don't feel like they've missed many big chances though.