Football

Euro 2016: Germany vs France Preview – Betting Tips, Odds & Predictions

07-07-2016 - Germany vs France  8pm
The winner of the second semi-final in Marseille will enter the final against Portugal as favourites. France are hoping to reach another major tournament final in Paris to follow on from the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, whilst current World Cup holders Germany are looking to emulate that France team of the late 1990s, by holding both trophies at the same time. This match is set to be tight, but France might have an advantage by playing in front of a more hostile crowd in Marseille than they would elsewhere.

Mesut Ozil of Germany during the UEFA Euro 2016 Quater Final between   Germany and Italy at Stade Matmut Atlantique on July 2, 2016 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Manuel Blondeau/Icon Sport )

As hosts, France didn’t have to qualify for Euro 2016 and therefore didn’t play any competitive games. Their pathway to the semi-finals has seen them win a very simple group, followed by victories over Republic of Ireland and Iceland. None of the sides they’ve played would be categorised as the elite of European football, meaning that we have to go back to the 2014 World Cup quarter final to see them play a truly competitive international. They played Germany and lost 1-0. A repeat result tonight is priced at 13/2, but the French are more experienced now than they were 2 years ago. Antoine Griezmann will not be intimidated by German opposition, he was part of the Atletico Madrid side that beat Bayern in the Champions League last season and is currently the top scorer in the competition with 4 goals. He’s priced at 21/10 to score again this evening, but he’s not the only goal threat. Both Olivier Giroud and Dimitri Payet have found the back of the net three times, and they’re priced at 21/4 and 15/2 to score first respectively. The defence is still a worry, whilst Didier Deschamps will be forced into making a decision as to recall Adil Rami or stick with Samuel Umtiti. N’Golo Kante is also set to return to the side after suspension and Deschamps has a fully fit squad to choose from.

03-07-2016 - Payet France
Joachim Low doesn’t have the luxury of picking from a fully fit squad, with Mario Gomez and Sami Khedira ruled out for the rest of the tournament and Mats Hummels suspended for the semi-final. Gomez’ absence is particularly tough to take as he’s been impressive in the tournament so far, whilst Schweinsteiger could be the man to replace Khedira in the midfield. Thomas Muller is still yet to score in a European Championship, but despite this is priced at 11/2 to score first this evening. Hummels’ suspension is a blow at the other end of the pitch, but they’ve still only conceded one goal in the tournament so far, the penalty against Italy in the quarter-final. Manuel Neuer is priced at 19/10 to keep a clean sheet, but he’ll have to live up to his reputation as France are set up to attack.

Antoine Griezmann of France during the UEFA Euro 2016 Quarter Final between France and Iceland at Stade de France on July 3, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Nolwenn Le Gouic/Icon Sport )
Match Prediction
This is the battle of two unbeaten teams, with Germany unbeaten in 6 games, whilst France are unbeaten in 9. France haven’t beaten Germany in a competitive finals match since 1958 and have never kept a clean sheet in their four previous meetings at major tournaments. The first semi-final was a cagey affair, but expect this one to be more open, with both sides out to attack. France are slight favourites to win in 90 minutes at 17/10, but Germany have been the most impressive side in the tournament so far. You can get them to win 2-1 at 10/1.

Words by @DominicTrant