July 7 – Is this the moment when France finally write a new chapter in their football history by beating Germany for the first time for 58 years in a competitive match? Anticipation has reached fever pitch ahead of the host nation’s Euro semifinal but a giant hurdle faces Didier Deschamps’ team in one of the tightest games to call.
Perhaps the odds slightly favour France if only because Germany are without suspended defender Mats Hummels and the injured pair of Sami Khedira and Mario Gomez, three potentially key losses for the world champions.
France, meanwhile, have no such issues – and if they perform as they did in a devastating first half against Iceland, they should progress to Sunday’s final against Portugal. But they have yet to face any of the tournament’s big hitters and the nerves could start to jangle if the going gets tough in an attempt to win their third title on home soil after the 1984 European Championship and the 1998 World Cup.
Deschamps has to decide whether to continue with Samuel Umtiti in defence or recall Adil Rami, who has completed a one-game ban. Midfielder N’Golo Kante also returns after serving a suspension.
One thing’s for sure: the Germans will not be fazed by a partisan atmosphere in Marseille. “Germany are Germany,” said Deschamps, “the best side in Europe and indeed the world.”
Les Blues certainly have the momentum and are the top scorers at Euro 2016 but after going 20 years without lifting this trophy, Germany will be out to spoil the party.
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