Preview: France vs. Germany

Two of the heavyweights of European football will go head to head in the quarter-finals at the World Cup later this week when France take on Germany at the Maracana.

France have reached the final of the World Cup the last two times that they have progressed beyond the group stages of the tournament, and will be hoping to continue that trend on Friday.

Didier Deschamps should have a full squad to chose from for the match, having reported no new injuries, while FIFA has decided not to punish Blaise Matuidi for a challenge on Ogenyi Onazi in their round-of-16 clash with Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Joachim Low will be without Shkodran Mustafi, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a thigh injury, but Mats Hummels is thought to be nearing a return to fitness so could take his place in the starting lineup.

There are no other injuries or suspensions to trouble the Germans as they attempt to reach the last four for the fourth tournament in a row.

Last time the two countries played in the World Cup, the German side secured a 2-0 win over France in 1986.

Recent form

France: DWWWDW

Germany: DWWDWW

Possible starting lineups

France: Lloris, Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny, Evra, Pogba, Matuidi, Cabaye, Valbuena, Giroud, Benzema

Germany: Neuer, Hummels, Mertesacker, Boateng, Howedes, Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Gotze

Sports Mole says: 2-1

Check out what the Sports Mole Sofa panel thinks of this clash below: