4 Memorable France Vs Germany Clashes

France and Germany will square off in the second semi-final of the 2016 European Championship on Thursday.

While the Germans will be hoping to make it to their second major tournament final in three years, the French will be eyeing a first final since 2006.

Here are the four memorable clashes between these two heavyweights:

FRANCE 6-3 GERMANY (3rd Place Match, 1958 World Cup)

France and Germany’s ( then known as West Germany) first ever competitive meeting was in the third place match of the Sweden 1958 FIFA World Cup.

France emerged victorious after routing the Germans 6-3, with the tournament highest goal scorer, Just Fontaine, netting four goals.

Other scorers for France were Raymond Kopa and Yvon Donis.

GERMANY 3-3 FRANCE, Germany won 5-4 on penalties(Semifinal, 1982 World Cup)

The 1982 World Cup semi-final clash between France and West Germany is regarded as the best of the tournament, evenone of the best World Cup games of all time.

And it is considered by French captain Michel Platini to be his “most beautiful game.”

Also, it was a game that had controversy written all over it following French player Patrick Battiston’scollision with German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher, which knocked Battiston unconscious and forced him from the game with two missing teeth, three cracked ribs, and damaged vertebrae (though no foul was given on the play).

In the game proper, West Germany, with skipper Karl-Heinz Rummenigge benched from the start with hamstring injury, took the lead through Pierre Littbarski on 17 minutes.

Platini made it 1-1 10 minutes later after converting from the penalty spot.

In extra-time, Marius Tresor and Alain Giresse both scored in the 92nd and 98th minutes to give France a 3-1 lead.

But in the 102nd and 108th minutes, Rummenigge and Klaus Fischer scored for West Germany to take the game into penalties.

And in the shootout, West Germany prevailed 5-4 to progress into the final.

GERMANY 2-0 FRANCE (SSemifinal, 1986 World Cup)

Both France and West Germany renewed their rivalry when they met again in the semi-final of the Mexico 1986 World Cup.

Once again, West Germany emerged victorious, winning 2-0.

Andreas Brehme opened the scoring for West Germany in the ninth minute.

And in the 89th minute, Rudi Voller secured the win and another qualification into the final.

GERMANY 1-0 FRANCE (Quarter-final, 2014 World Cup)

Germany continued their dominance over France in the World Cup when both teams clashed in the quarter-final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Matt Hummels’ 13th minute header off a setzpiece sealed the win for Joachim Low’s side.

Germany went on to emerge world champions after beating Argentina 1-0 in extra-time.

Source: Complete Sports Nigeria