The second semi-final of Euro 2016 in Marseille's Stade Velodrome on Thursday evening pitches the two pre-tournament favourites against each other. Host nation France meet world champions Germany in what some will consider the real final of the Euros—with all due respect to Portugal and Wales.
Going by the performances of the two sides in the tournament so far, the World Cup holders would have to be considered favourites to make it to the final. Ever-improving until the quarter-final, Germany finally got over the hump and made it past bogey team Italy in a competitive match for the first time.