Germany and France, two of the most influential nations on the European continent, have been rivals both on and off the field. Their rivalry is not limited to just political issues, but extends to the soccer pitch. As they prepare to take on each other in the World Cup quarterfinals, let's take a look at their six classic matches.
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Although it was a friendly match and ended in a tie, it was a game changer as it ended Germany's four consecutive losses to France and helped rebuild its confidence. [Photo/IC] |
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A 1982 clash revived as France-Germany meet in Cup |
France 'without fear' ahead of Germany showdown |
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Thoughts no doubt returned to one of the most shocking collisions in World Cup history, which occurred in the 1982 semifinal between West Germany and France and involved another goalkeeper's excursion off his line. Harald Schumacher's airborne challenge on Patrick Battiston, which knocked the France defender unconscious and broke his jaw but went unpunished, still raises anger and emotion in France - particularly as West Germany went on to win that match in a penalty shootout thanks to the saves of Schumacher. More |
France coach Didier Deschamps insisted that his team have no reason to fear Germany when the sides clash in the World Cup quarter-finals at the Maracana Stadium on Friday. "There is no apprehension or fear. There is no reason for us to feel any. Germany are a solid side with lots of experience of this level but this game will be a pleasure for us and we are preparing ourselves as well as possible for it," Deschamps told a press conference in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. More |
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