Thursday night’s Euro 2016 semi-final between world champions Germany and competition hosts France promises to be an enthralling clash between two of Europe’s biggest footballing nations.
France sailed into the last-four by beating Iceland 5-2, while the Germans endured a gruelling clash with Italy before winning on penalty kicks. The two sides will head into the clash in very different moods, with France high and German heading into the match without three key players.
Les Bleus have a fully-fit squad to face the world champions with defender Adil Rami and defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante returning to the squad following suspension. Germany’s on the other hand have major selection issues heading into the vital clash.
Centre-back Mats Hummels is one of Die Mannschaft’s most important players. However, the Bayern Munich defender picked-up his second booking of the competition against Italy and will be a major absentee for the Germans.
Just as importantly striker Mario Gomez limped-off against Italy and will miss the rest of the tournament.
The striker who spent last season on loan Besiktas had scored twice in his three appearances in France and as the only striker in Germany’s squad he will be a major loss to Joachim Low’s team. The world champions may need to change their tactics to accommodate the striker’s absence.
To round off Germany’s problems Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira has also been ruled out of the clash through injury. Potential replacement Bastian Schweinsteiger is also a doubt, so the world champions are definitely not at their best.
France would have fancied their chances of making the final on home soil anyway, but Germany’s personnel problems make Didier Deschamps favourites to make Sunday’s final.