It's World Cup quarter-final time, so who comes out on top in our head-to-head guide as European superpowers France and Germany collide (...you might want to look away, Herr Muller)
France 6-5 Germany: Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema and Co set to outclass Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller as Les Bleus come out on top in comparison of the European titans
- European heavyweights meet in Rio on Friday, but how do they compare?
- Germany, with Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer, are looking for their fourth straight World Cup semi-final
- Didier Deschamps France won the World Cup in 1998 and reached the final in 2006, and will call upon Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema to do so again
- The French have surprised a few during their four games, while Joachim Low's Germany are typically solid
It is the only all-European quarter-final of this World Cup and perhaps the most intriguing; two countries with three final appearances between them since 1998.
France are building momentum from an unfancied position, Germany are stuttering a little among plenty of expectation.
Each will play a variation on 4-3-3, with France fielding a more compact midfield and Germany a less-obvious centre-forward. But it will come down to how the players perform.
Here is Sportsmail’s analysis of the probable starting line-ups.
Scroll down to see the final score
Masters: Germany are looking to reach their fourth consecutive World Cup semi-final
Together: The French squad, who have surprised many, show their team spirit in training
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris
Captain has performed well and enhanced his reputation in Brazil. Some fine saves coupled with an alertness for danger.
The extinguisher: Lloris has continued his fine form for Tottenham into the World Cup
Manuel Neuer
Operated more like a sweeper in the extra-time victory over Algeria and dominates his area. Can be rushed on kicks.
Sweeper-keeper: Manuel Neuer let nothing get past him, or in front of him, in the win over Algeria
Verdict: Two goalkeepers magnetically repelled to their own goal-line, Neuer edges it by stature and big-match experience.
VIDEO All Star XI: Manuel Neuer highlights
Mathieu Debuchy
Arsene Wenger wants him to replace Bacary Sagna at Arsenal. He gets the nod for his nation in any case. Dependable and an attacking threat.
Wanted man: Debuchy is being tracked by Arsenal as a replacement for Frenchman Bacary Sagna
Jerome Boateng
Shifted to right-back by Philipp Lahm’s move to midfield, the position is not his best. Perfectly capable and good on the ball but looks odd.
Odd ball: Boateng has had to fill in at right-back, and could be Germany's weak link in Rio
Verdict: Debuchy is playing in his preferred position and will be more comfortable than Boateng.
Left-back
Patrice Evra
Ageing limbs led to criticism at Manchester United but he has blossomed in Brazil, putting in shifts of pace and poise.
Experience: Evra has shown he still has it in the locker in Brazil after some uneasy times at Old Trafford
Benedikt Howedes
Flexibility across the back-line gives Germany greater options and as club captain for Schalke offers leadership. Nothing spectacular.
Solid: Benedikt Howedes has justified his selection at left-back during the World Cup
Centre-back
Mamadou Sakho
The man with the intense eyes and intense style has begun to show why Liverpool paid £18million for him. Athletic if a little erratic.
Rebuilding reputation: Sakho (below) has shown why Liverpool splashed the cash on him last summer
Per Mertesacker
Developed into a favourite at Arsenal and is a composed character on and off field. Towering presence while immobility made up for by anticipation.
Cleared: Mertesacker was on the form of his life last season, and has brought his confidence to Brazil
Verdict: Mertesacker has an ability to organise that Sakho does not – could be key with malleable opposition attacks.
Centre-back
Raphael Varane
Looks at ease on this stage for a 21-year-old. Silky smooth in possession and a threat from corners.
Rock: Real Madrid centre-half Varane looks to have experience way beyond his years
Mats Hummels
Brings blood and thunder from Borussia Dortmund and a high level of technical proficiency.
Towering: Hummels (right) goes up for a challenge with USA's Jermaine Jones in the 1-0 group stage win
Verdict: Real Madrid’s Varane may be young but can become a great. He pips the elder man.
Centre-midfield
Yohan Cabaye
Has shone for France in deeper role, dictating play from in front of the back four and advancing to unleash trademark shots from range.
Poise: PSG midfielder Cabaye has dropped deeper for France, and the team have benefited
Philipp Lahm
The Pep Guardiola experiment continues for the national team. Quite astonishing he can adapt so seamlessly to such a degree.
Next up: Philipp Lahm applauds the fans after their narrow 2-1 win over Algeria
Centre-midfield
Blaise Matuidi
Has enjoyed a real break-out moment this tournament. Gets France ticking at good tempo and performs essential defensive function too.
Surrounded: Matuidi has shone both up and down the pitch during his four appearances
VIDEO Germany are favourites - Matuidi
Bastian Schweinsteiger
Has seemed short of his best at the World Cup. At his peak a player who can drive on a team through desire and technique.
Midfield man: Germany legend Bastian Schweinsteiger should earn his 106th cap on Friday
Centre-midfield
Paul Pogba
Grows as each match goes by, dominating central areas with strength and finesse. May look like a gazelle but is hard as rhino.
Central man: Pogba put in a magnificent midfield performance against Nigeria
Mesut Ozil
Much like his debut Arsenal season, has sparkled at times and been subdued at others. Can turn a game with a flick of his boot.
Hands aloft: Arsenal man Ozil scores his 18th goal for Germany in the 2-1 win over Algeria on Monday
Right-wing
Mathieu Valbuena
The personification of a pocket rocket. Small in stature, big on impact. Provides a nimble outlet from defence to ease pressure and cutting edge too.
Overjoyed: Valbuena (right) looks delighted as the French secured their place in the quarters
Toni Kroos
Such an elegant player. Through the middle would be his preferred role but the interchangeable nature of this forward trio means he can influence matters.
Eye on the prize: Kroos is concentrating on his international duty despite heavy rumours of a transfer
Left-wing
Antoine Griezmann
Surname sounds German, developed his football in Spain, but has emerged as the solution to France’s issue on the left. Very gifted.
Winger: Real Sociedad star Griezmann is Les Bleus' answer on the left of midfield
Mario Gotze
Has been one of Germany’s best players at this tournament and offers Thomas Muller support on the goal hunt. Agile and intelligent.
Denied: Gotze sees his shot saved by Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi during the last 16 game
Centre-forward
Karim Benzema
The required spike to France’s attack, has scored goals, created chances and come-of-age at a major international tournament.
Up top: Benzema has three goals and two assists in his four appearances at this World Cup
Thomas Muller
Nine World Cup goals in nine matches is some feat for a guy who nobody would recognise as an out-and-out striker. Drifts across the front and will shot on sight.
I'm the man: Thomas Muller has scored four and assisted two goals in his four games so far
Managers
Didier Deschamps
Really impressive in his initial squad selection – omitting Samri Nasri for purposes of unity – and has continued during match. Able to rotate his players and tactics accordingly.
In charge: Low (left) has been in charge for eight years, while Deschamps has seen a huge improvement
Joachim Low
A master of this team, overseeing development from promise to fruition. Now the challenge is to adorn his work with a trophy.
Verdict: A tie.
Final score: France 6-5 Germany
VIDEO Team Profile: France highlights
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