“It could also be that players who were not in focus before the tournament or do not have great worldwide experience turn out to be decisive”. In the last round, France were very strong.
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With an element of revenge in the air, hosts France can expect fanatical backing from their home fans in Marseille. We are supported all over the country but they are more expressive here in Marseille.
‘Of course they dominated against Iceland, but I believe we’ve found some of their weaknesses and we’ve discussed it with our players – I don’t want to reveal what they are, so let’s just try to surprise them’.
France’s Patrick Battiston was knocked unconscious, losing two teeth and suffering three cracked ribs, after a collision with Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher. “I am convinced we can compensate for these absences”, Bierhoff said.
“France are a bit the same as Italy, although less defensive”. He could even move Matuidi or Paul Pogba out onto the right wing, in place of Moussa Sissoko, although Sissoko does give them important balance. They are a less natural pairing, as both players are aggressive defenders who like to go out and win the ball.
Coach Didier Deschamps, who has tinkered with his team, seems to have found the right formula in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Griezmann playing close to Giroud up front.
Mats Hummels scored the only goal of the match as Germany overcame France on their way to winning the biggest prize in worldwide football and the two sides will clash once again in the semi-finals of Euro 2016 on Thursday night.
“The 120 minutes against Italy have left their mark, unfortunately”, said Low. He has so far used Gomez as a traditional striker and Mario Gotze as a false nine, and with the exception of Thomas Muller, no one else in the squad has real experience playing as a striker. Sami Khedira won’t play for us on Thursday. We will do all we can to get him ready for the final if we get there.
How Loew copes without Hummels, who is suspended, will hinge on whether he sticks with the 3-4-2-1 formation he chose against Italy, or returns to 4-2-3-1. He has found the right balance at the ideal time, and it would make no sense to change it now, with the final in his sights.
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The former Bayer Leverkusen man was one of Liverpool’s best players last season, producing some superb performances in the middle of the park as they reached two cup finals. “They are training at a high level, they are physically in very good shape”.
