Euro 2016 preview and odds: Germany vs France

Published on: 05/07/2016

Euro 2016 preview and odds: Germany vs France

Stade Vélodrome, Marseille - 20:00pm 07 July 2016

Semi-finals

Germany and France will meet at a major finals event for the fifth time when they clash at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on Thursday night.

Hosts take on world champions in semi-final showdown

On Thursday night, Germany and France will battle it out for a chance to face either Portugal or Wales in the Euro 2016 final. Both sides come into this game in good shape with France currently unbeaten in nine matches and Germany without defeat in their last six.

The statistics show that Germany have been slightly stronger in possession, while France have the clinical edge in front of goal. But in reality, there is not much to separate the two teams.

In their 27 previous matches in all competitions, France have the edge with 12 victories to Germany`s nine with six games drawn. Both teams have yet to be beaten at this tournament having won four and drawn one apiece.

Their four previous finals meetings have all come in the FIFA World Cup with Germany having won the last three meetings, while France`s only win came in the third-play play-off in Sweden back in 1958.

Form (all competitions):

Germany: WWWDW

France: WWDWW

Betting predictions

Germany have had an average of 63% possession in this tournament while France have been slightly less concerned with retaining the ball, preferring instead to combine passages of controlled passing with quick counter-attacking moves. This more balanced approach could favour the French who will also have the advantage of the home crowd on their side.

However, Germany are big tournament specialists who often save their best for last. It might take extra-time or even penalties to separate these two.

You can back the draw at 2/1 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 05/07/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (05/07/2016 15:04:02) but are subject to change.