Euro 2016 semi-final: Germany v France, Thursday, 11pm (UAE time)
Despite a mounting injury list, Germany manager Joachim Low is relishing facing the hosts in Thursday's Euro 2016 semi-final under the motto – 'Bring on France'.
“It’s great that there’s a game like this. I love playing knockout games against teams of this calibre,” Low said in Evian on Monday.
Lows’s cause for optimism over the Marseille semi-final is not obvious with three key players definitely ruled out, while captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is doubtful with a new knee injury.
Germany have defender Mats Hummels suspended while Mario Gomez and Sami Khedira are out with injury – Gomez for the rest of the tournament.
As Low acknowledged, France were buoyed by Sunday's 5-2 hammering of Iceland in their quarter-final.
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And the hosts can expect near fanatical support in Marseille, the heartland of the nation’s diehard fans.
Nevertheless Low can barely wait for kick-off as Germany rest up after Saturday's tense quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Italy.
“I’m not worried about who the favourite is,” Germany’s manager said. “It would be easy to say that we have a few injuries and France are favourites as they played really well.
“But that does not matter at all over 90 or 120 minutes. It is like it was against Italy: a game of two teams with outstanding individuals.
“Both have a clear direction, even if France naturally plays offensively. I love games like this.”
Low was very clear that Schweinsteiger, who has a strained knee, will only face France if fully fit.
The Manchester United midfielder had only recently recovered from tearing the medial ligament in his right knee in March.
“If a player is less than 100 percent fit, then I won’t play him,” Low said.
“I made that mistake once before in my career and I won’t do it again.”
Low refused to be drawn about the mistake he referred to – passing it of from earlier in his career as a club coach.
But he has been in this situation before with Germany.
Low played Michael Ballack in the Euro 2008 final, when Germany were beaten 1-0 by Spain, when the defensive midfielder was carrying a calf injury.
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