Key battles in France vs Germany

As the European giants clash tonight, we look at where the match will be won or lost

Key Battles: France vs Germany

Mathieu Valbuena vs Philipp Lahm

Mathieu Valbuena

Valbuena is one of France’s main creative outlets in midfield. He has great composure on the ball and an ability to pick out the right pass.

Philipp Lahm

Lahm, having played as a holding midfielder during the tournament so far, may be deployed in his more familiar full-back role where his experience could be vital.

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Karim Benzema vs Per Mertesacker

Karim Benzema

Benzema has looked threatening when played through the middle, but has had much less of an impact when shifted to accommodate Olivier Giroud and much will depend on where he lines up.

Per Mertesacker

What Mertesacker lacks in pace he makes up for with his reading of the game and that will be vital.

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