Germany vs. France: Host looks to end jinx against familiar foe

It's an encounter worthy of the Euro 2016 final.

Luckily, the clash between France and Germany comes a round early as the familiar foes meet for a chance to vie for another European title to add the trophy case.

France enters the tie with the biggest chip on its shoulder, as Didier Deschamps' men look to end a winless drought in a competitive match against the Germans that dates back to 1958.

It's a tall order against a team fresh off winning the World Cup, and winning another final-like match as Germany sneaked by Italy to reach the semi-finals. France has yet to truly face a test comparable to Die Mannschaft after ending Iceland's fairy-tale run with a 5-2 thrashing.

Germany has a recent history of delivering devastating losses to host nations at this stage of a major tournament (see: Brazil), but Joachim Low isn't expecting a repeat of the massacre at the 2014 World Cup semi-final.

"Brazil was a situation that won't appear in a semi-final again soon - they were in shock after conceding two or three goals in a few minutes," Low told reporters. "France are a lot more solid in defence than Brazil were two years ago."

The only guarantee, however, is that, no matter who progresses, Germany or France will be the favourite heading into Sunday's final against Portugal.

Injuries and suspensions

Germany:

Injuries: Mario Gomez (hamstring), Sami Khedira (adductor), Bastian Schweinsteiger (knee ligament strain)

Mats Hummels' absence is undoubtedly a massive blow for Joachim Low's squad, while the loss of Mario Gomez could have an negative impact on an attack that lacked the threat in front of goal that the 30-year-old provided.

Schweinsteiger will start the match, as per Low, but having played so few minutes at club level this season and now coming off a knee problem sustained against Italy, his stamina in midfield will be something to watch.

France:

Injuries: None

Suspensions: None

As Germany prepares for the fixture without Hummels, France will welcome back N'Golo Kante, who is expected to slot right back into his starting role.

Projected lineups

Germany starting XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Howedes, Jonas Hector; Schweinsteiger, Kroos; Gotze, Ozil, Draxler; Muller

France starting XI: Lloris; Sagna, Rami, Koscielny, Evra; Pogba, Kante, Matuidi; Griezmann, Giroud, Payet

What to watch

Can France exploit Germany's injured midfield?

Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and other creative influences in France's midfield will be desperate to identify and exploit any weaknesses in Low's formation.

It's a task that's proven almost impossible against the Germans.

But one of the glaring weaknesses in an otherwise dominant German side lies in the holding midfield position. The loss of Sami Khedira to injury and concerns over Bastian Schweinsteiger's fitness have the potential to disrupt the German team's chemistry against a France outfit growing in confidence.

Germany's back line

For a country that could conceivably field two competitive teams, the loss of Hummels presents a difficult void to fill as Germany prepares to face a French squad dripping with offensive talent, capable of humbling any defensive unit.

But Germany has already faced and successfully dealt with the obstacle of replacing the new Bayern Munich centre-back during its 2-0 win over Ukraine

Benedikt Howedes will likely get the call, as he did during the the group-stage win, and should provide a confident presence in the back.

Can Kimmich ignite Germany's attack?

Joshua Kimmich continues to make Low look like a genius.

Since being named a starter in final group-stage fixture, Kimmich has proved to be the ingredient Germany lacked in the opening matches, as his inventiveness and fearless runs down the right flank have relieved pressure on the country's attacking unit.

The 21-year-old is playing with the composure of a seasoned veteran, and should once again create chaos in the final third with his darting sprints up the field.

Prediction

Another host will fall at the hands of a German unit many picked to win the competition. Just don't expect to see a repeat of the destruction Germany left in its wake in Brazil.

Germany 3, France 1