WC 2014 Quarter Final Germany Vs. France

[St Pauli]

I've seen a lot of games the WC but don't think I've seen France play once. Hard to call this, I think France are in a slightly stronger position as they know how Germany will play. Their squad and style means Germany will just being playing forward all the time, moving quickly.

If France play a defensive game I think they'll win, Germany have been getting lucky with their delicate defense and it's only a matter of time before someone takes advantage. If French pride forces them to take them game to Germany it's got the makings of a great open game with goals on both sides.

PS. Just seen the 7 player flu story. Bollocks.

[Ian Royal]

Germany are weak at the back, particularly on the break. They've got 1 full back who's playing in midfield (despite having lots of good midfielders), and 5 centrebacks. France seem strong throughout the team. I fully expect the athleticism and pace of the likes of Pogba, Matuide, Valbuena and co to cause Germany problems.

I think France will probably take it, but it'll be an interesting game and I'm hoping the Germans can sure themselves up at the back and Klose can win the day.

I think the Germans have a decent chance if they come out with something close to this team.

Neuer
Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Lahm
Kroos, Khedira, Schweinsteiger
Muller, Ozil, Gotze

Maybe Schurrle in for Ozil or Gotze. I can't see Klose starting.

[PieEater]

I have an irrational dislike for Neuer, I'd really like to smash his smug face in.

So allez les Bleu.

[Terminal Boardom]

And in Neuer, they have the best keeper in the tournament. Germany will win this one because it is Germany.

[tulip]

I have an irrational dislike for Neuer, I'd really like to smash his smug face in.

So allez les Bleu.

+1 Moi aussi

+ La Marseillaise has to be the best national anthem of them all.

[LUX]

tough one for me, being surrounded by gloating French. But, being old fashioned, I could never support Germany at football ( ).

So, France to win, followed by a semi-final exit, please.

Don't tell my wife.

[BR2]

Looking forward to this game.
Unlike with Costa Rica, Colombia, Argentina and to some extent Holland we in Europe know all of these players and their strengths and weaknesses so it will be more like watching a Premier League game.

I was a bit taken aback at how bad Germany were in their last game , at how slow they were at the back and non-competitive in midfield but this is Germany where I think (as with Portugal playing Spain) France may have a bit of an inferiority complex when playing against their neighbours.
Having backed France at 25/1 (as well as Argentina) I have a financial interest but as a football fan I can't wait for these quarter-finals and feel that the tournament is still very open.

[Royalclapper]

Credit to Deschamps, leaving out Nasri & having Ribery withdraw, he's still managed to fashion a decent side out of this squad and they do look competitive.

Low reminds me of an art teacher who's trying to regain control of his class on a Friday afternoon. Gotze has been particularly disappointing for fritz so far but they do have a stronger looking squad overall than the French. They're just so Bayern-centric though that the players from other clubs appear to be in the team almost as token gestures.

Should be a good game, not easy to predict.

[Big Foot]

I want Germany to win but with the 7 players being struck down ill, I'm expecting a narrow 1-0 win for les blues

[USA_Loyal_Royal]

germany havent been playing particularly good football as of late, they still tend to grind out results which is what good sides need to do. the changes lowe made during the 2nd half were extremely positive and they started to resemble a german side that everyone is used to seeing. our defense has been shaky at best, but with the pace of france's forwards we are going to need to do something to counter it, maybe put in some more protection, or opt to take out one of the typical starters for a speedier player who can cover better. we need lahm back in defense and put schweinsteiger and khedira to partner in the midfield, as they are obviously the best partnership the germans have.

i still have massive problems with ozil and how lazy, uninterested, etc he has been, and his shitty form hasnt been helping his cause. he slows down the attack and usually delivers a shit pass that has the other team countering when we were in a good position to score. id like to see a team of:

neuer
lahm, mertesacker, boateng, hummels
khedira, schweinsteiger
schurrle (or podolski), gotze, muller
klose

schurrle frustrates me a lot because he tends to not pick out a pass and go for goal himself, but he has flair which is something germany desperately need to liven up the attacks. gotze and muller play as attacking midfielders and on the wing respectively for munich so they will be in a more natural position for them. id prefer not to interrupt mullers form up top but desperate times. klose is the only recognized striker in the entire squad and someone who can make those runs no one else makes, and is quite good at heading in crosses. khedira and schweinsteiger looked to be a great partnership in the last match, its a shame they both arent healthy and will probably need to be subbed late in the match.

kroos to me looked bang average for someone of his quality, and he is by no means an attacking midfielder, which is what he has been playing as. he can come on for one of the two holding midfielders when one tires. same for ozil, if the game calls for him late he should come on but he doesnt deserve to start due to his performances, even if he is arguably, on his day, the most talented german player.

[TBM]

I want Germany to win but with the 7 players being struck down ill, I'm expecting a narrow 1-0 win for les blues

I'm convinced this is some kind of stunt by the Germans to make France think they've got an easy run....i mean 7 players?! - or if it is true they will probably be 7 players not used

[tulip]

Boooooo hiss, Germany 1 - 0

[double d]

I really am torn about this one. Don't like either.

[TBM]

Germany in the sweep

So them

[wingnut]

Klose obviously been told his job is to fall over whenever he's near the ball.

[tulip]

Klose obviously been told his job is to fall over whenever he's near the ball.

Yep, Muller's "fallen" over a few times too.

[No Fixed Abode]

I really am torn about this one. Don't like either.

Racist.

[wingnut]

Ref's as bad as his hairstyle.

[Ouroboros]

France have been really disappointing.

[tulip]

France have been really disappointing.

I am quite bored.