Game 57 Starting Lineups (France vs. Germany)

Game preview here.
Starting Lineups below:

France

Ideal starting XI for France in my opinion. Same as their opener against Honduras.



Substitutes:

Goalkeepers: Mickael Landreau (#23), Stephane Ruffier (#16)

Defenders: Lucas Digne (#17), Laurent Koscielny (#21), Eliaquim Mangala (#13), Bacary Sagna (#15)

Midfielders: Remy Cabella (#7), Rio Mavuba (#12), Morgan Schneiderlin (#22), Moussa Sissoko (#18)

Forwards: Olivier Giroud (#9), Loic Remy (#20)


Germany

Now this is the German lineup I have been clamoring for all tournament. Lahm in the backfield, Klose starting. Gotze and Mertesacker on the bench. This could cause problems for France.




Substitutes:

Goalkeepers: Roman Weidenfeller (#22), Ron-Robert Zieler (#12)

Defenders: Erik Durm (#15), Matthias Ginter (#3), Kevin Grosskreutz (#2), Per Mertesacker (#17)

Midfielders: Julian Draxler (#14), Mario Gotze (#19), Christoph Kramer (#23), Andre Schurrle (#9)

Forwards: Lukas Podolski (#10)

Game 58 Preview: Brazil vs. Colombia

BRAZIL vs. COLOMBIA
Quarterfinals - Game 2

 Date: July 4, 2014

Time: 4:00 p.m. EDT

Venue: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza

Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): 15-2-8 Brazil

Last Match: 2012 Friendly. Brazil tied Colombia 1-1.

Line: Brazil -130

Group A Preview here.
Group C Preview here.

Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.

Team Profiles 

World Ranking: Brazil (3rd), Colombia (6th)

Managers: Luiz Felipe Scolari (BRA), Jose Pekerman (COL)

Captains: Thiago Silva (BRA), Mario Yepes (COL)

World Cup Appearances: 20 (BRA), 5 (COL)

Best Finish: Brazil (5x Champions, Last in 2002), Colombia (Round of 16, 1990)

Qualifying Records: Brazil (N/A), Colombia (9-4-3, GF: 27, GA: 13)

Previous Game Results

Brazil

June 12th - Brazil def. Croatia 3-1
June 17th - Mexico tied Brazil 0-0
June 23rd - Brazil def. Cameroon 4-1 
June 28th - Brazil tied Chile 1-1, Advances 3-2 in Penalty Kicks (Round of 16)

Colombia

June 14th - Colombia def. Greece 3-0
June 19th - Colombia def. Ivory Coast 2-1 
June 24th - Colombia def. Japan 4-1
June 28th - Colombia def. Uruguay 2-0

Rosters

Injuries/Discipline

Brazil: Dani Alves (Yellow Card), Hulk (Yellow Card), Jo (Yellow Card), Luiz Gustavo (Suspended - Card Accumulation), Neymar (Probable - Leg, Yellow Card), Ramires (Yellow Card), Thiago Silva (Yellow Card)
Colombia: Pablo Armero (Yellow Card), Fredy Guarin (Yellow Card), Carlos Sanchez (Yellow Card)

Overview

Few may have predicted Colombia would feature in this contest against Brazil or that they would have looked so good on the road getting here. While the hosts have plodded along somewhat in this World Cup, Colombia have been flying high, reaching the quarterfinals for the first time and looking like a team with the potential to take it further then that.

The task for Colombia though is a tall one. Beat the host country who haven't lost a game on their own soil in a dozen years and who happen to be the most successful team all-time in this event's history.

In what is expected to be a fast-paced, entertaining match there are two players that will stand out and both wear number 10 on their backs. Brazil's Neymar was expected to be the wonder-boy of this World Cup at home and despite 4 goals he has been overshadowed by another young star. Colombian James Rodriguez has stolen the show so far at this World Cup, notching 5 goals including a highlight-reel opener against Uruguay. Between those two players alone, there is potential for some fireworks today in Fortaleza.

Brazil have kept the same lineup as best as possible and despite calls for certain players to be dropped (Fred, namely), they should continue to do that today. There is an enforced change in the midfield though and it is big one. Holding midfielder Luiz Gustavo will not be around to check James Rodriguez due to a suspension. Paulinho is expected to return to the lineup after losing his starting spot last match and has a big chore in front of him in Rodriguez. Colombia have no injury concerns and will likely stick with the lineup from their Uruguay victory.

With all of the offensive firepower in this match this likely boils down to being a test of the defences for both sides. Colombia have rarely been tested in a weak offensive group and face a Brazilian squad with flare and creativity to spare. Brazil's defensive woes have been more apparent and they will have to be very wary of both Rodriguez in the centre of the field but of the speed on the Colombian wings that have tormented opposing full backs so far.

Personnel

In the Brazilian Third: As Uruguay learned to their peril, James Rodriguez is able to strike on the first or second touch with alarming quickness. If Brazil affords him any space with the ball then odds are they'll regret it. Rodriguez is hardly the only person to worry about though. Colombia switched to a 2-striker formation last match with both Jackson Martinez and Teofilo Gutierrez on the field. Martinez was wide as a winger but both are goalscorers around the penalty area. Juan Cuadrado on the other wing has proven to be one of the fastest players in the World Cup and provides another dimension to this attack. Brazil have looked shaky in their penalty area and are susceptible to quick rushes. That plays right in to Colombia's hands. Advantage: Colombia.

In the Midfield: So how do you rate a midfield in a game where both teams want to play the ball in to the attacking third as fast as possible to create scoring chances...Games are often decided in the midfield battle but this may be one of the rare games where the midfield battle might have little or no impact on the contest. Colombia will likely be happy to passively defend the midfield and allow Brazil to advance before they counter. Brazil maybe a bit more aggressive IF Luiz Gustavo was in the lineup. No idea. Advantage: Even. Can I give an Incomplete?

In the Colombian Third: I trust Colombia's defence more then Brazil's but I also haven't seen them face a team like Brazil recently. Yepes/Zapata can handle the aerial threats from players like Fred and the defenders off of set pieces, but neither is overly mobile. That's an issue when Neymar and the rest of the attacking midfielders are on the other side of the field. Will have to get a load of midfield support in their own penalty area to keep Brazil at bay. Advantage: Brazil.

Goalkeeping: Pre-tournament, I would have said Ospina in a heartbeat. 2 penalties in 5 kicks later and I'm tempted to give Julio Cesar the edge. Ospina the better in regular play, but may God help Colombia if this goes to penalties. Advantage: Even.

Brazil will win if:

I don't think I've ever boiled this down to a one-on-one matchup but I am today. Colombia minus Rodriguez cannot beat Brazil. Colombia with Rodriguez can absolutely beat Brazil. Spotlight is on you today Paulinho. Neymar has been carrying this team so far but Paulinho's ability to shut down James Rodriguez will be the key today for Brazil. Limit his effectiveness, and Colombia's attack falls apart. Fail to do that, and my guess is there's a very disappointed host nation tonight.

Colombia will win if:

Defensively, shutting down Neymar is almost as critical as it is for Brazil to limit Rodriguez. Think Colombia won't mind giving Neymar space on the wing provided they don't allow him to cut to the centre. They have the personnel to defend against crosses and passes from the outside, but Neymar on the ball in the middle of the field doesn't have a defence. Keep him outside and they can play their typical defensive style. Offensively, no adjustments needed. They love the long quick counter to the wingers and Cuadrado/Martinez have plenty of speed to get behind the Brazilian wing backs and create chances.

Prediction

One of the reasons I do the personnel breakdowns is partially to help me with my prediction. In cases like this where it's essentially an even contest, I have to trust which side has the larger advantage.

I like Colombia's defence as a unit even against an outfit like Brazil. Yes they might be slightly mismatched but they're capable of fighting. I do not however trust Brazil's back line against the 4 Colombian attackers and that's the difference here. Too much speed and finishing ability against an undisciplined defensive unit.

Colombia 3-2 Brazil in Extra Time.

Game 57 Preview: France vs. Germany

FRANCE vs. GERMANY
Quarterfinals - Game 1

 Date: July 4, 2014

Time: 12:00 p.m. EDT

Venue: Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): 11-8-6 France

Last Match: 2013 Friendly. Germany def. France 2-1.

Line: Germany +130

Group E Preview here.
Group G Preview here.

Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.

Team Profiles 

World Ranking: France (17th), Germany (2nd)

Managers: Didier Deschamps (FRA), Joachim Low (GER)

Captains: Hugo Lloris (FRA), Philipp Lahm (GER)

World Cup Appearances: 14 (FRA), 18 (GER)

Best Finish: France (Champions, 1998), Germany (3x Champions, Last in 1990)

Qualifying Records: France (5-2-3, GF: 18, GA: 8), Germany (9-0-1, GF: 36, GA: 10)

Previous Game Results

France

June 15th - France def. Honduras 3-0
June 20th - France def. Switzerland 5-2 

June 25th - France tied Ecuador 0-0 

June 30th - France def. Nigeria 2-0 (Round of 16)

Germany

June 16th - Germany def. Portugal 4-0
June 21st - Germany tied Ghana 2-2

June 26th - Germany def. USA 1-0 

June 30th - Germany def. Algeria 2-1 in Extra Time (Round of 16)

Rosters

Injuries/Discipline

France: Patrice Evra (Yellow Card), Blaise Matuidi (Yellow Card), Paul Pogba (Yellow Card), Mamadou Sakho (Probable - Knee), Raphael Varane (Questionable - Illness)
Germany: Benedikt Howedes (Yellow Card), Philipp Lahm (Yellow Card), Shkodran Mustafi (Out - Hamstring)

Overview

A matchup I personally wanted to see along with about every other soccer fan in the world. The neighbours square off again in their first competitive match since the 1986 World Cup. The victor will earn a place in the semifinals, and if history repeats itself, the rights to Alsace-Lorraine.

It's a surprisingly infrequent rivalry between the two European rivals. Just 25 meetings in their history. They have played just 5 games since 2000, although 2 of those have come in the past 2 years with both sides earning 2-1 road wins.

Both sides enter the game surprisingly fit considering they've had to deal with injury woes throughout the tournament. Shkodran Mustafi is the only casualty for Germany although the return of Mats Hummels from flu would have put him on the bench regardless. France still have questions about Mamadou Sakho's knee and an illness for Raphael Varane but both centre backs are expected to play in this game. Will be interesting to see their fitness in this game though.

Germany have gone a false nine formation throughout this tournament and barring a major surprise will continue with that. I expect to see 4 or 5 German players take shots at being the striker in this game and sticking with what works best against a France back line that has given up little in the way of shots at Hugo Lloris this tournament. Germany's biggest concern this game will be their full backs matched up with Griezmann and Valbuena on the wings. There's a big speed advantage for France out there and the always dangerous Benzema in the centre of the field.

France have stuck with primarily the same lineup this tournament and shouldn't have any drastic changes today. The only questions are regarding Giroud and their centre backs. Olivier Giroud started against Nigeria last game but was in poor form and France picked their game up when Griezmann entered. Would anticipate Giroud is on the bench for this game with Benzema back in as the centre forward. Should 1 of the centre backs not be able to play, Laurent Koscielny has filled in admirably this tournament. Should they both be out then France have a huge problem.

Personnel

In the French Third: Written assuming Sakho/Varane play. Germany blew out Portugal in their opening match but in the 3 following games, have scored just 3 goals in regulation. This is a team that is hurting without a natural striker, despite Thomas Muller having 4 goals to his credit. Germany have spent far too much time operating outside opponents penalty areas and trying to set up the perfect goal opportunities rather then putting their heads down and just going at goal. France will be happy if they want to stay out of their area but France also won't allow Germany all day to move around. I expect Germany to have a slog trying to penetrate the French lines and barring some miracle strikes from distance, goals will be tough to find today. Advantage: France.

In the Midfield: Some fantastic individual matchups here as Cabaye/Matuidi/Pogba take on Schweinsteiger/Kroos/Lahm. Strictly on personnel, advantage has to go to Germany due to both quality and experience together. The French midfield are no slouches though. They're careful with the ball, they distribute well and they can pressure teams defensively. Germany a bit more organized both offensively and defensively though which may pose issues for the French. Advantage: Germany.

In the German Third: Time for some questions to be asked of the German defenders and also of the French tactics. France have a tendency to funnel balls towards the centre of the field on attack. Part of this is philosophy, part of it is that you have Karim Benzema in a shooting position. I feel that would be a mistake today. Germany's strength defensively lies in the middle with Lahm/Mertesacker/Hummels. Attacking them head-on is a recipe for failure. France need to take this game wide with Valbuena and Griezmann and go after Boateng and Howedes. Howedes lacks the pace to stay with Valbuena and I feel Griezmann can take advantage of some poor defensive awareness by Boateng. France attacks the wing and they should be fine. Attack the middle and they'll get trounced. Advantage: Even.

Goalkeeping: Not even going to attempt to pick these 2 apart for differences. Advantage: Even.

France will win if:

Defensively Algeria provided a key for France to emulate. Have to be able to harry Germany on the ball and get them out of their comfort zone while maintaining your defensive shape. Too passive and Germany will take their time and pick France apart. Too aggressive and you're taking your chances as Germany punish small mistakes as good as anyone. Aggressive when the ball is in your zone to force turnovers but don't allow yourself individually to get drawn from your assignment. Offensively, work away at the wings and then look for Benzema/Pogba, etc. once the ball is deep.

Germany will win if:

Please attack. I mean that both objectively and subjectively. The midfield passing around is not going to get Germany anywhere against a surprisingly disciplined French team. Have to work their way through midfield with a specific goal in mind and that goal should have Hugo Lloris in front of it. Defensively, I personally feel Philipp Lahm should be in the back four with Howedes on the bench but Joachim Low doesn't appear to be taking suggestions. Need to keep their full backs further back today so they are in a position to defend against the French counter-attack and keep their wingers in front of them.

Prediction

Have gone back and forth on this about half a dozen times. Trying to reconcile fact that I feel France's defence is up to the task and they can exploit Germany's with speed, with the fact that France were a laughing stock not so long ago and are facing a team that hasn't exited from this stage in this millennium.

Current form wins out.

France 2-1 Germany

Quarterfinal Bullets

Lack of posts today, got busy with other stuff. Will have some point-form breakdowns of the teams eliminated in the group stage tomorrow. Wanted to give some brief thoughts on each quarterfinal game though.

Brazil vs. Colombia

• I picked Colombia to win this game and I'm sticking by that. Whether that is wise remains to be seen.
• There were concerns on the weekend about Neymar's health after he picked up a knee injury against Chile but he is apparently training fully again. Neymar would have to be immobile not to play for Brazil in this tournament
• Most exciting battle of the game won't be amongst players facing each other every play but between the number 10's Neymar and James Rodriguez. If I had to pick best player in the tournament right now it would be Rodriguez and not the host's star.
• If I had to make any tough personnel decisions, I'd sit Fred for Brazil. They won't but they probably should. Neymar has spent half his time as a centre forward anyway, put him in the middle and Bernard on the wing in my opinion. 
• Brazil have a forced change to make in the midfield as Luiz Gustavo is suspended. That is a blow for Brazil because that's the best option on the roster for shutting Rodriguez down.

France vs. Germany

•  Game looked much more exciting before the Round of 16 games were played as both limped through their matches. Still about a 13 out of 10 on the excitement factor.
• Probably meeting earlier then they should, I have both teams in my top 5 in terms of a power ranking in this tournament.
• I picked Germany to win this game. Not quite ready to change that pick yet but leaning towards France at this point.
• Biggest concern I have for Germany is the lack of initiative offensively. France isn't going to let them pass the ball around forever in midfield and have kept their own penalty area shut tight. Without a striker, big concerns for Germany.
• Defensively for Germany, you have speed on the wings and scoring from everywhere to be concerned with. If I were Joachim Low, I'd have both Schweinsteiger and Khedira in midfield so Lahm can go back to right back and Boateng can flip to left. This gives you your best chance at containing the French wingers and keeping things in the centre of the field where they'd prefer it.

 Netherlands vs. Costa Rica

•  No one told Costa Rica that this was the quarterfinals of the World Cup. A complete shock name to see amongst the giants of soccer.
• Regardless of whether this was Costa Rica or Greece as an opponent, this is a step down in competition for Netherlands. Always have to question their mental strength but that doesn't seem to be an issue and I fully expect them to control and win this game.
• Costa Rica are without two starting players due to suspension (Tejeda and Duarte).
• Netherlands will be without Nigel de Jong for the remainder of the World Cup. de Jong suffered an injury in the first half of the Mexico game. That is an issue for Louis van Gaal. He used Daley Blind as a holding midfielder after de Jong left and it led directly to a Mexico goal. Blind may take up that role again or we could see Jonathan de Guzman reinserted in to the lineup.
• Netherlands have rotated between a 5-3-2 and a 4-3-3 this tournament. Fully expect a 4-3-3 this game as they should have 60+% of possession and the ball will spend majority of the time in the Costa Rican half.

Argentina vs. Belgium

• Felt it would be the toughest quarterfinal to predict and it hasn't gotten any easier. Comparing Belgium with Switzerland, they don't have the same defensive organization but they aren't slouches. Much more dangerous on the attack though. Like to control possession in the midfield but they do so to work toward a chance on goal, as opposed to a Spain or Germany who pass for the sake of passing.
• Argentina should have a tiny but more space in the offensive third but Belgium the biggest attacking threat they've faced so far.
• Argentina are really missing Aguero. Had a poor tournament so far but draws defenders off of Messi in a way Lavezzi cannot replicate. That's a big part of why Switzerland could keep Messi out of the game and don't believe there's a solution for that.
• Loved the Belgium lineup against the USA. Were confident in defence and used their size to their advantage. Deadly efficient on the counter-attack and finally got offence from their striker spot, both with Origi starting and with Lukaku off the bench. Lukaku the better player but is impact off the bench late in the game will probably keep Origi in the starting lineup.