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Germany Host France In A Blockbuster Group F Clash At Euro 2020 [Team News]
- The European powerhouses and World Cup winners of the last two editions are set to renew hostilities, although they’ve played each other quite frequently in recent times
The UEFA Euro 2020 is back in action with its biggest match so far as France lock horns with Germany in a crucial Group F clash at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, June 15, EKO HOT BLOG gathered.
In the last Euros, Les Blues secured a 2-0 victory in the semi-finals. Germany held France to a goalless stalemate at home in the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League, before losing again on French soil in the return leg, going down 2-1.
However, the current world champions are widely considered favorites to go all the way again in this championship. Coach Didier Deschamps boasts an incredibly talented squad at his disposal.
Die Mannschaft are no mugs either. Packed to the rafters with elite figures, their form has nosdived in the last few years. Nothing sums this up better than their shock 2-1 loss to North Macedonia in a recent World Cup qualifier.
Joechim Loew, who’s been at the helm of affairs since 2006, is set to leave after the tournament and Germany will be hoping to give him a memorable send-off.
Antoine Griezmann is France’s chief creative force going into the Euros and has an exceptional record against Germany. The Barcelona forward has scored four goals in his last four matches against Joachim Low’s side and will be in no mood to relent on Tuesday.
Germany have failed to defeat France in the last five matches played between the two sides, with their previous victory coming in 2015. The Germans have scored a paltry three goals in these five matches and have plenty of work to do ahead of this fixture
Germany have never lost an opening game at the Euros and will be intent on maintaining their perfect record intact in this edition of the competition. Alongside Spain, Germany are also the most successful team at the Euros with three titles.
France manager Didier Deschamps is on the verge of an astonishing record at the Euros this year. If Les Bleus do manage to win the competition, Deschamps will become the only individual in history to have won the World Cup and the Euros both as a player and as a manager.
Manuel Neuer is closing in on a record of his own and is only five matches away from breaking an all-time appearances record for goalkeepers at major international tournaments.
Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon currently share the accolade with 31 appearances apiece and Neuer could surpass them this year.
READ ALSO: Spain Held In Euro 2020 Opener Against Dogged Sweden [Details]
France vs Germany Head-To-Head
France have a surprisingly good record against Germany and have won 14 matches out of a total of 31 games played between the two teams. Germany have managed 10 victories against France and have a point to prove against Deschamps’ side this week.
The previous meeting between the two European heavyweights took place in the UEFA Nations League in 2018 and ended in a 2-1 victory for France. Antoine Griezmann scored an excellent brace on the day and will want to have a similar impact on the outcome of this match.
France form guide: W-W-W-W-D
Germany form guide: W-D-L-W-W
France vs Germany Team News
France
Karim Benzema picked up a knock in their friendly game against Bulgaria last Sunday, sending a shiver down every French supporter’s spine. However, they’ll be delighted to know that the Real Madrid striker is training normally and will likely start against Germany.
That means Olivier Giroud will have to be content with a place on the bench despite netting twice in their last game. Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann and Raphael Varane have also shaken off their knocks.
Kurt Zouma is the only injury concern at the moment for Les Blues.
Injured: Kurt Zouma
Suspended: None
Unavailable: None
Germany
Jonas Hoffman is out with a knee injury for the hosts, although he was anyways behind in the pecking order. Leon Goretzka is working his way back from a muscle injury and will be assessed before the match.
Injured: Jonas Hoffman
Doubtful: Leon Goretzka
Suspended: None
Unavailable: None
France vs Germany Predicted XI
France (4-3-1-2): Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez; N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, Adrien Rabiot; Antoine Griezmann; Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema.
Germany (3-4-2-1): Manuel Neuer; Matthias Ginter, Matts Hummels, Antonio Rudiger; Joshua Kimmich, Toni Kroos, Ilkay Gundogan, Robin Gosens; Kai Havertz, Thomas Muller; Serge Gnabry.
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