Presumably everyone outside of Wales and Portugal wishes that this match up was the final of Euro 2016, but unfortunately we must watch on as Germany and France do battle for a place in Sunday’s showpiece.
Both sides are playing well, feature some of the standout players of the tournament and each offers a unique characteristic that could see them to glory: Germany have that gift of winning by any means necessary, while France have the advantage of being on home soil.
Will the pressure prove too much for the French, paying in front of 70,000 fans at the Stade Velodrome and the millions of Francophiles watching worldwide? Well it didn’t at the 1984 European Championships or World Cup ’98, both of which they won on home soil, so we have to conclude that they have a huge advantage heading into this match.
But those pesky Germans….they always seem to find a way. They certainly did against Italy last time out, where after 120 minutes of pulsating action – and a penalty shootout that went back and forth – they ultimately prevailed.
Are we in for a similar barnburner here?
Germany vs France Betting Tips
France have had an easy time of it in Euro 2016 so far, and their quarter final draw with Iceland could not have been any sweeter. The Icelanders had already won their ‘cup final’ against England, and so their tie with the French was a hurdle too high for their weary legs. Olivier Giroud and co took full advantage.
But there are question marks defensively against the name of Les Bleus, having conceded in three of their five matches to date, and that will prick up the ears of a Germany outfit that has scored seven in five thus far. Crucially they have conceded just one goal too, and so will hope to be able to negate the attacking play of the likes of Griezmann, Pogba and Payet. If they can, they become a red hot favourite to progress.
We can look to the head-to-head stats for guidance, and while overall these offer little at first (France have won 12, Germany 10 and five draws) dig a bit deeper and we find a trend that will delight Joachim Low and his men. Of the four matches that these sides have played in major tournaments, Germany have won the last three; the most recent of which came at World Cup 2014 and a 1-0 victory.
Another feather in Germany’s cap is their outstanding penalty shootout record, which is more simply a running joke for English fans. A win rate of 71%, including 28 successful spot kicks from 33 attempts, is unbelievable, and a clear advantage over France’s one in two margin. Should this match go all the way, there is no doubt where the smart money will go.
Those who ‘invest’, rather than bet, will automatically be drawn to the Evens on Germany to qualify by any means necessary, and that is perhaps the smart money here.
But for those who prefer a bit more of a run for their money, Germany to win in extra time (12/1) or penalties (9/1) takes some beating.