Coaches expect even encounter

By Andrew Haslam in Belfast

France coach Jean Gallice and Ulrich Stielike of Germany agree that their sides' meeting in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-finals will be a gripping and even contest.

Contrasting campaigns
The two countries have experienced differing campaigns so far in Northern Ireland, the French opening their Group B bid with a solid 1-1 draw against eventual runners-up England and going on to defeat Norway and Armenia to win the section. In contrast, Germany allowed a two-goal lead to slip against eventual Group B winners Serbia and Montenegro, who went on to win that opening encounter 4-2, but then overcame Greece 3-0 and the Northern Irish 2-1 to progress.

Squad rotation
Gallice was back on the touchline for the 1-0 victory against Armenia on Saturday having served a two-match touchline ban, and opted to make five changes for the game, as he explains. "The idea to change five players was to give people a rest," he said. "We have 18 players in the squad all of a similar quality. I learned a few things against Armenia and the five players who were involved all contributed one way or the other."

Sammaritano success
Of those five, Frederic Sammaritano produced the most eye-catching display, including providing the corner from which Cedric Cambon headed the only goal, and Gallice acknowledged that the FC Nantes Atlantique winger had played himself into contention for the semi-final. "Sammaritano impressed me with his quality and workrate," he said. "He helped himself a lot when I consider what team to select against Germany, although I am aware that they can be a more physical team than we would normally face. We will have to wait and see.

Different styles
"We played Germany twice last year so we know each other relatively well," the coach added. "They are a solid team and their football is more physical than ours, but technically I think we may be slightly quicker than them. We may have the finesse to counter their power, but it will come down to us competing against their power and Germany working against our finesse."

Selection dilemma
Gallice's German counterpart Stielike has selection problems due to injury and suspension, with only 13 players available for the game at The Showgrounds in Ballymena. Defenders Sascha Dum and Jerome Polenz had already returned home injured, and now FC Bayern München midfielder Markus Steinhöfer, who has an ankle problem, and Hamburger SV forward Mustafa Kucukovic, beginning a two-match ban after his dismissal against Northern Ireland, have followed them to Germany. In addition, striker Chhunly Pagenburg sits out the semi-final with a stomach complaint.

French favourites
"France are favourites," admitted Stielike. "They had a tough Elite round group against Spain and Portugal, and are undefeated in the final tournament. In addition, I feel our situation gives them an advantage. I saw France play the second half against Armenia, and based on that I make them my favourites to win this tournament."

United team
Stielike nevertheless remains hopeful his side can triumph in the face of adversity, telling uefa.com: "It all depends on how we cope without the missing players, but I am optimistic we will play well. I hope being down to 13 players will bring the squad together. We have discovered that, for some reason, we play better against technically skilful sides rather than physical teams – which was the difference in the Northern Ireland game – and I expect to see a very attractive game against France."