France take on Germany in the Euro 2016 semi-finals on Thursday night.
Here, we look at some talking points ahead of one of the much anticipated clash between these two European juggernauts.
FRANCE’S MIDFIELD DILEMMA
The midfield is set to be the key battle ground between France and Germany. Both sides boast an embarrassment of talent in the middle of the park but Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps has some decisions to make.
Forward Antoine Griezmann has looked far more comfortable playing through the middle but that would mean dropping one of N’Golo Kante or Blaise Matuidi. Leaving out a holding midfielder would be perilous
against Germany’s forward players and could leave them exposed.
Who will get the nod from Deschamps?
If he does opt to keep a holding midfielder, it’s then a question of who? Matuidi operates between attack and defence effectively and was vastly improved in the absence of Kante against Iceland. But the Leicester man is untouchable when it comes to patrolling deep.
HOWEDES’ LACK OF MOBILITY
Going forward France have been telepathic at times. There has not been a better attacking trio at the Euros so
far than Dimitri Payet (three goals, one assist), Olivier Giroud (three goals, two assists) and Anotine Griezmann (four goals, two assists). The worry for Germany is that all three have the potential to give expected centre-half replacement Benedikt Howedes a nightmare evening.
Howedes’ lack of pace a concern
He’s largely operated as a full-back so far but with the suspension of Mats Hummels will move in alongside Jerome Boateng at the heart of the defence. His lack of pace is likely to be exposed, particularly against Griezmann who has constantly found space in behind during this tournament. Ensuring Howedes isn’t left one on one will be key.
GIROUD AGAINST ELITE DEFENCES
Giroud’s goal tally in his last eight appearances for France stands at seven. Which as you can agree is an impressive ratio. Then you go beyond the initial stat and start to see why Arsenal fans have come to the consensus Giroud is not among the best strikers in world football. Those seven goals have come against the following teams: Iceland, Romania, Scotland, Cameroon and Netherlands.
Hardly the most elite sides on the international stage. While it is a stretch to label him as a flat-track bully, against better defences his one dimensional style is exposed. His botched touches, lack of speed and missed shots can be atoned for against lesser teams but when he comes up against Germany his margin for error is more than halved.
FRANCE’S FULL-BACKS
When analysing Les Bleus before the tournament the full-back areas were targeted as a sign of weakness. Patrice Evra (35) and Bacary Sagna (33) are no doubt fading forces and the former has been particularly vulnerable at this tournament. Evra was twice caught out of position inside the first five minutes against Iceland and he also gave away a soft penalty against Romania.
France’s full-backs are liailities
He’s yet to arrive in France and has looked erratic at times. Les Bleus will need him to step it up a gear because with Mario Gotze expected to operate on the right of Germany’s front three, with Julian Draxler on the left, both are direct players who can expose Sagna and Evra. Expect Germany to go wide and often.
TWO OF THE BEST KEEPERS MEET
It’s one of the best shot stoppers in world football – Hugo Lloris – against the ultimate sweeper keeper – Manuel Neuer. Given the quality of attackers on display, both will be the key protagonists tonight just as they were during the 2014 World Cup quarter-final between the two sides.
Both are also inspirational figures for their countries; Neuer has captained Germany in the absence of Bastian Schweinsteiger while Lloris has been France’s on-field leader 56 times now – overtaking Didier Deschamps to set a new national record. Both have enjoyed fine tournaments, making saves at key times during this tournament to help set up tonight’s encounter.