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The story so far
France were faced with potential disaster after their shock loss to Colombia in the group stage but have recovered impressively to surge back into World Cup finalist contention.
A 1-0 opening win over England highlighted the ruthless and often pragmatic approach that had many hailing Philippe Bergeroo’s team as potential dark horses for the tournament.
Their 2-0 loss to the World Cup debutants was followed by a 5-0 hammering of Mexico and a comfortable 3-0 Round of 16 win over Korea.
They’ll beat Germany because…
The loss to Colombia now seems like a once-in-a-lifetime blip and a win over Germany here would surely all but confirm this. Barring that game, France have not conceded all tournament and in truth have not looked like conceding (they have faced just seven shots on target – two of which were Colombian goals). The partnership of Renard and Georges is one of, if not the best central defensive partnership in the world – one even a ruthless Germany will struggle to break down.
France aren’t just solid at the back – they will pose a significant threat to Germany on the counter attack through the pace and directness of Elodie Thomis who found her goal-scoring touch last week against Korea. Eugenie Le Sommer, easily France’s best performer at the World Cup so far, is in fine form and her ability to bring others into the game with delicate flicks around the box or to tempt defenders out from deep positions will be crucial to the French cause.
If France can replicate their swashbuckling start against Korea here against the Germans they might just have enough grit at the back to hold the Germans out.
This is a finely-tuned defensive unit that has the tactical nous (highlighted in their opening fixture against England) and the discipline to not only go toe-to-toe with the Germans but to outlast them.
They’ll be knocked out by Germany because…
France may be riding a wave of optimism into this blockbuster but the Germans have been quietly efficient in their tournament journey so far, which warrants a similar amount of praise. Like France they’ve conceded a mere two goals all tournament – I think we’re going to see two of the best three defences in action on Saturday morning.
Anja Mittag and Celia Sasic have both netted five goals for Germany and are the main sources of danger. France have easily contained the opposition when faced with a sole forward up front – England’s Eniola Aluko and Mexico’s Charlyn Corral are two exceptional talents but lack of support gave the French an easy task in neutralizing these two in the group stages.
It will be a different test and a new challenge in stopping the free-scoring pairing of Mittag and Sasic. Mittag will be relishing this game – the Paris Saint-Germain striker will be facing off against almost all of her club teammates.
Will they win the World Cup?
France have revived their World Cup bid in impressive fashion considering how brutal a blow their Colombia loss could have been. If they beat Germany here they are a real chance, most likely facing a USA side in the semi-final that they defeated 2-0 last time out. However, I don’t see France lifting the trophy.
Best moment of the tournament so far
There hasn’t been too much to eulogize from the French point of view but their moment of the tournament so far was their win over Korea, emerging victors with consummate ease and playing some of the best free-flowing football of the whole World Cup.
Key player
Eugenie Le Sommer has emerged as France’s main woman but the same caveat about Louisa Necib still applies. Through either a niggling calf injury or an issue of temperament, she’s yet to hit her straps this tournament but is France’s most devastating attacking weapon. The world is waiting with baited breath to see if this is the game she will come to life.
Injuries/suspensions
Laura Boulleau is still struggling with a knee injury picked up against Mexico. She looked to have aggravated it again in the Round of 16 fixture against Korea but finished the game.
Prediction
This could be a game that earmarks France’s rise from a mid-tier European side who perennially struggles against the world’s best to a genuine football powerhouse. It should be game of the tournament and a nail-bitingly close encounter. If France manage to score first their recent momentum could take them over the line. Otherwise, honours to be even after 90 minutes and Germany to win in extra time.
Germany 2-1 AET