Photo: Karim Benzema and Thomas Muller (Getty Images)
1998 World Champions France are in great form and will be firing on all cylinders when they tackle Germany in their quarter-final encounter of the World Cup. Les Bleus has found the net on ten occasions in their four fixtures so far and conceded just twice. Germany are the slight favourites in this fixture but Didier Deschamps’ men have what it takes to leave the Maracana as semi-finalists.
Germany’s injury problems that they suffered before the tournament finally caught up with them in their Round of 16 match against Algeria. They were without their ace defender Mats Hummels as well as Lukas Podolski which left their already patched up team fully stretched. They were given a stern test by the Algerians but like true champions they found a way to get over the line. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira are still not fully fit and with playmaker Mesut Ozil still struggling, Joachim Low is in for another rough day in the Maracana.
The French on the other hand are playing extremely well in all departments. They looked brilliant in midfield thanks to the athletic ability, speed and power of one Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi. Mathieu Valbuena is the chief creator in the absence of their star man Franck Ribery and he seems to be relishing the challenge. He floats around the pitch drifting into small pockets of space and causing all sorts of problems. Deschamps has a healthy and fully fit squad unlike the Germans who have reportedly suffered from illness leading up to this blockbuster showdown.
If everyone becomes available for Die Mannschaft then Low will have Manuel Neuer between the sticks while Hummels should return to partner Per Mertesacker in central defense. Jerome Boateng should take his place at right back since Low made it clear that skipper Philipp Lahm will play in midfield. Schalke’s Benedikt Howedes will continue at left back for the Germans.
Lahm has looked good in midfield but Toni Kroos is the man Germany that must lift the team since he is the only midfielder who remained healthy, on form and the only player who can run the show now that ‘Schweini’ is not fully fit. Thomas Muller will hope to recover from his flu symptoms to lead the attack and should be supported by Ozil, Mario Gotze, Andre Schurrle and the returning Lukas Podolski. The old fox Miroslav Klose could also feature and if he gets on the score sheet he will become the all time leading scorer in World Cup history.
Between the sticks for Les Bleus will be captain Hugo Lloris who should be protected by Raphael Varane with Mamadou Sakho returning to central defense. Mathieu Debuchy is expected to continue at right back with the experienced Patrice Evra on the opposite side.
Yohan Cabaye has taken on the anchorman’s role in the middle of the park allowing Matuidi and Pogba to use their athleticism, pace and power to dominate midfield going from box-to-box. Cabaye is known for his excellent passing range and has the ability to find the back of the net from long range. Valbuena will again be charged with creating the chances in front of goal while Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann will help to provide the goal threat.
Both teams like to possess the ball, move it quickly and swiftly around the pitch hoping to create openings. It should be a game that entertain the fans as both teams will attack because they fancy their chances. Germany are the slight favourites despite struggling against Algeria but Les Bleus are not scared and are much fresher as they ended their previous game in 90 minutes but Die Mannchaft went to extra time. It could go either way and hopefully this match will be decided by the brilliance of the players and not a mistake from the officials.
Players to Watch:
France – Mathieu Valbuena, Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema
Germany – Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil
You must be logged in to post a comment Login