FRANCE VS. GERMANY

France

STRENGTHS:

France has been the standout team in this tournament thus far. Their biggest advantage is that they are the host nation of the tournament. So far, France has produced magnificent results and they have not succumbed to the pressure of winning at home. With players like Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Dmitri Payet and Blaise Matuidi, the French know that they have the firepower they need to secure a European Championship on home soil. This semi-final will be their toughest test as they come across a tough German side who are the current world champions. A date with either Portugal or Wales in the Final would be an easier hurdle for them to overcome, but like the football gods say: there is no such thing as an easy game.

WEAKNESSES:

France’s biggest weakness lies in their defense. They have no permanent center back to work side by side with Laurent Koscielny, and they have shuffled reserves to fill in that spot. With Raphael Varane ruled out of the tournament, Adil Rami has been trusted with the spot for the majority of the tournament (although he was left out in the last game against Iceland in favor of Samuel Umtiti). Both of France’s fullbacks in Patrice Sagna and Bacary Sagna are also in the end stretches of their career, but they have impressed so far. The defense has to be in top form to keep out the likes of Mario Gomez, Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, and young star Julian Draxler.

Germany

STRENGTHS:

The Germans have momentum on their side. After having won the World Cup two years ago, they entered the tournament as favorites to win but have been outshined by the performances of France. This will not faze the Germans though, as they have the firepower they need to dismantle the French defense. Thomas Muller needs to step up his game though as he has been looking quite out of form in front of goal. If Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos step up, it could be a long night for France. Germany is still the better side on paper, and they can prove it with a win against the host nation on Friday.

WEAKNESSES:

The Germans have lost some key players since winning the World Cup; veteran captain Philip Lahm and Per Mertesacker aren’t in their squad anymore and have been replaced by Jonas Hector and Benedict Howedes. They still have great players in the center back position with Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng leading the back line. The German’s have been terrible in taking penalties since the start of the tournament, missing four penalties already—two misses care of midfield general Mesut Ozil. Although they tend to correct their errors during play, they must be in top form if they wish to meet Portugal or Wales in the Finals. There’s no question that whichever team wins this semi-final will be huge favorites to win the whole thing. It’s all up to the players now.

What else should we take into account before the semi-finals? Sound off below!

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