(Getty)
The two favorites of Euro 2016 are meeting in the semifinals, with the host nation taking on the World Cup champions. France haven’t beaten Germany at a major tournament since 1958, but nonetheless are a slight favorite for their showdown in Marseille.
Here’s a look at all the betting information you need to know, along with a prediction for Thursday:
Germany vs. France Betting Info
Spread: Pick, with Germany and France both -110
Moneyline: Germany (+175), France (+175) Draw (+210)
Over/Under: Over 2 (-145), Under 2 (+120)
Prediction
The odds are even as the two top teams take center stage at Stade Velodrome.
These teams both started slow in the group stage, but had different experiences in the quarterfinals. France cruised to a 5-2 victory over Iceland, while Germany needed penalties to outlast a tough Italian side.
That could work two ways for France. They’ll be well-rested of course, and don’t have any injuries or suspensions on the roster. Germany enter with several lineup questions, including Mario Gomez and Sami Khedira, both of whom will miss this match along with suspended Mats Hummels.
But there’s also the idea of readiness. France were hardly challenged against Iceland, and now face an exponentially tougher opponent in Germany. Joachim Low’s squad are masters of possession and defense, and Italy were lucky to force penalties in the previous round. The question is whether the Germans will still have their legs should this semifinal go longer than 90 minutes.
Other than Germany’s unbeaten streak over the French, history is on the sides of both teams. Germany have a history of knocking out host nations, including a 7-1 beatdown of Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. France are unbeaten in 17 major tournament fixtures on home soil, a record that goes back in the 1996 Euro semifinals against the Czech Republic.
It should be a great match, and if the goals start dropping it’ll likely be the match of the tournament. Germany won’t struggle missing Hummels and Gomez and Khedira, but it’ll help make things even against France, who simply cannot afford a sluggish start a la Ireland. If the French come ready to play, they could be on their way to the final.
Prediction: 3-2 France
Best Bet: Giroud to score anytime at (+210)
Find out how to watch this game in Spanish at AhoraMismo.com:
