please log in to view this image Estadio Do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro please log in to view this image Capacity: 76,804. Opened: 1950 (reopened after renovation in June 2013). Background: Renovation of this iconic venue was completed just in time for the Confederations Cup last summer. Work only began in earnest in September 2010 - three years after Brazil was officially handed the World Cup. The stadium formally reopened on 2 June when Brazil drew 2-2 in a friendly with England, and hosted three Confederations Cup matches. Since then venue has resumed its role as the venue for derby matches between Rio's biggest teams - Flamengo, Fluminense, Botafago and Vasco da Gama. The pitch was re-laid in October 2013. It is one of four football venues for the 2016 Olympics and will also host the opening and closing ceremonies. *Adopts voice of legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer* Ladies and gentleman from across the world. Brought to you by governing body Fifa, welcome to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup. In the blue corner, weighing in with the expectation of 66m people on their shoulders, with three wins and a draw from their four matches, it is the one-time champions of the world... France. In the white corner, contesting a last-eight tie for the 16th straight World Cup, with an identical record of three wins and a draw, welcome to the three-time champions of the world.... Germany. Football fans are you ready? L-l-l-l-let's get ready to rumbl-l-l-l-le! please log in to view this image Key players Karem Benzema v Thomas Muller please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image LINE-UPS France starting XI: Lloris (c), Debuchy, Evra, Varane, Sakho, Cabaye, Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann, Matuidi, Pogba. Germany starting XI: Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Klose, Muller, Lahm (c), Kroos, Boateng. please log in to view this image - - - please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Nice introduction and perhaps Jogi has done it right this time. Starting line with Klos upfront and Lahm back in defence (right) - best decision he has made for quite some while I guess. Will be a tough encounter but that is just what the German´s need in order to succeed.
Yes me too. It's a good sign that he reverts back to the successfull 4-2-3-1 set up with as you say Klose up front and Lahm at right back. This is where the tournament usually starts for Germany, think we'll see that tonight as they come up with their biggest performance of the tournament thus far.
Good stuff Norway, nice pics!!!....I'll be following on here and beeb website as still have an hour or so's work to do.... Potentially best game of the tournament and I reckon extra time will be required....
Germans destroyed the French at the anthem. This hanging around at the beginning is criminal given the temperature.
Another dive for a pen, if they carry on like this, they won't even get a legitimate penalty. No player has been booked for diving in this WC.
Clumsy from Debuchy, exageration/dive from Muller. Definitely no pen. is that true?! Shocking if so, have been a lot of diving imo.
Refs aren't usually very kind to players that try to stay on their feet and fall over a few steps on. That should be looked on more favourably than "making the most" of a challenge or outstretched leg.
