Germany's coach Joachim Loew during training.
Germany coach Joachim Loew has
been forced to make changes to his team for Thursday's semi-final
against hosts France at Euro 2016 because of injuries and a suspension,
including replacing key goalscorer Mario Gomez.
Gomez, whose two goals helped the world champions to the last four,
has been forced out of the rest of the tournament with a pulled
hamstring. Holding midfielder Sami Khedira will also miss the clash
because of a groin injury.
Central defender Mats Hummels completes the trio of absentees,
sitting out the game due to suspension following a second booking in the
Germans' quarter-final victory over Italy on penalties.
Chasing a fourth European title, Germany could also be without
Bastian Schweinsteiger. Loew has ruled out using his captain unless he
has recovered fully from a knee ligament injury.
Germany's Mesut Oezil, Lukas Podolski, Thomas Mueller and Jonas Hector during training.
The German boss has to decide
what to do with his forward line and whether to use Mario Goetze, Lukas
Podolski, Thomas Mueller or Leroy Sane. Goetze and Mueller have both
been struggling with their form.
In defence Loew is unlikely to deploy a three-man central defence as he did against Italy.
"Against France I still have to think about it. Italy are a team with
automated plays. They are world class in playing them but they are
predictable," Loew told reporters.
"France are different. They constantly change positions, they are much more unexpected and difficult to predict."
Loew is likely to use Emre Can as Khedira's replacement with Benedikt Hoewedes slipping into the central defence for Hummels.
France's coach Didier Deschamps during training.
The French are feeling
confident following their 5-2 demolition of Iceland and the euphoria in
the country is growing. But, in order to reach a home final in Paris on
July 10, Didier Deschamp's team must plug their porous defence.
Leading 4-0 at halftime against Iceland, France dropped their guard,
conceding two goals. Centre back Samuel Umtiti, playing his first
international, was not totally commanding and Adil Rami, who was
suspended, could return for the German game.
Rami, however, has shown signs of nerves on several occasions, as has
left back Patrice Evra, leaving France's defence looking vulnerable,
notably from set pieces.
"We're looking better but Germany remains Germany," said Deschamps,
whose side lost to the eventual winners in the 2014 World Cup
quarter-finals as well as suffering painful semi-final defeats to the
Germans at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
"They are the best team in Europe and in the world and the only ones
totally controlling the situation, with technical quality everywhere,
from the goalkeeper to the forwards," said the coach.
"We'll fight for our chances, knowing what we are up against."
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