Posted on 07/06/2016 11:38:31 PM PDT by Berlin_Freeper
The winner of Thursday’s meeting between the world champions and the hosts will enter the final as favourites. The two highest rated sides at the tournament – France on 7.17 and Germany on 7.15 – will be treating this game as if it were the final itself. Joachim Löw’s side are hoping to emulate France’s achievement of holding both the World Cup and European Championship trophy at the same time.
France have not been truly tested yet but neither have they breezed through a highly favourable draw. While their first-half annihilation of Iceland in the quarter-finals promised much, it was the first time they had scored before the interval. They are yet to fully impress in both halves of a game, which they will need to do against Germany.
France haven’t really faced a side of any great repute since they last met Germany two years ago, when they were knocked out the World Cup at the quarter-finals courtesy of a Mats Hummels header. Hummels, who is missing out through suspension, is one of a number of key absentees. By comparison, the return of N’Golo Kante and Adil Rami from their bans has left Deschamps with a full squad.
(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...
Germany 3-1. Despite playing against France in France and missing Hummels, the Germans will win with a better defense and overall system. The French defense is suspect. And experience matters in big games.
The Master Race gassed little girls, is that what they are known for?
Let’s go France, Allez Les Bleus.
Schumacher, their goalkeeper admitted drug use in the ‘82 match. Said others did as well.
You are sick.
Party atmosphere as rivals France and Germany face off for spot i
http://www.france24.com/en/20160707-euro-2016-host-france-face-germany-semi-finals-fans-portugal
France one win from Euro 2016 final six years after disgrace of South Africa
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jul/07/france-euro-2016-south-africa-world-cup-didier-deschamps-olivier-giroud
“Record-breaking is something very nice,” said the Portugal captain. “I have broken many records before and I am still breaking records for club and country. But this all comes naturally and the crucial thing was to reach the final, for the coaching staff and all my team-mates. I am very happy and I am very proud of all my team-mates. We are now so close. I’ve always dreamed of winning something for Portugal and now it’s just one step away. Dreaming is free, so let’s keep dreaming.“Euro 2004 was special. I was 18 and that was my first final. My debut. But now 12 years have gone by and we’re there again. I’m very proud of that. But I am also very confident and I believe that all these boys deserve it, I deserve it, Portugal deserves it, the fans deserve it – every single Portuguese person deserves it. They’ve been amazing supporters. We’ve yet to win anything, but it’s the final. I don’t think many people thought that Portugal would make it to that point, but we are there. That fills me with pride.
“Now we have to get ready for Sunday and we want to make this dream come true. I believe that we’ll win. With a lot of work, humility and the spirit of self-sacrifice, which I have always shown in my career, these sorts of things are doable.”
Commentary is Germany survived the first ten minutes.
I agree!
Neuer signals for three men in the wall. 30 meters
Good shot! Caught by Neuer!
Damn we missing Gomez. But a second corner... nothing.
Commentary: Schweinsteiger is everywhere!
France failed pass looks like they are a bit winded.
Schweini on the job again!
Schweini cleared in front of the net. Again.
Can card. This is his first game. Müller calms him down.
Free kick on target. Neuer handles it.
Big French mistake gives up the ball but Kimmich fails to do much with it. Missing Gomez!
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