Experience helps Germany when facing hosts

Germany' s experience in beating the hosts at major tournaments might be a deciding factor at Euro 2016 when they meet France in Marseille Thursday evening.

Germany beat hosts England 7-6 after penalties in 1996 and later won the championship in the final against the Czech Republic 2-1. It was also in the semifinal when Germany thrashed hosts Brazil 7-1 in 90 minutes in 2014 World Cup.

Since 1972, the Germans won all of their nine duels against the hosts at World Cups and European Championships.

Looking back at the quarterfinal against Italy and the penalty shoot-out, the Germans seem to be the best when it comes to coolness.

The message fits with the attitude of German head coach Joachim Loew. Despite three of his key players are being sidelined, Loew is not complaining. The 56-year-old has to replace key figures like defender Mats Hummels, central striker Mario Gomez and Sami Khedira.

"He' s so calm all the time. All the time he' s preaching, we are strong and are prepared no matter who will be on the pitch. He tells us he has deep trust in our abilities. It' s of great importance for the team," striker Thomas Mueller said.

Loew himself speaks about his tournament calmness like this: "When a tournament is going on, I live in my own world, it' s like living in a tunnel."

Loew was also happy about the good news regarding his returning captain Schweinsteiger. The 31-year-old seems to be fit for action as he played through the entire last training session with the German squad this Wednesday.

Schweinsteiger might not be happy about his last season with his club Manchester United, but the Bavarian-born midfielder is of great value for the German team as he stands for a great atmosphere within the team.

When he appeared on the pitch against Italy, keeper Manuel Neuer handed over the captain' s armband immediately. In the 2014 World Cup final, Schweinsteiger led his team to victory despite a bleeding cut above his eye. Since then he stands for indestructibility.

Germany will again try to carry out their strategy of dominating the game and have a high percentage of possession.

Most likely Loew will choose a back row of three of Benedikt Hoewedes, Jerome Boateng, Shkodran Mustafi which is supported by two along the flanks such as Jonas Hector and Joshua Kimmich. Loew then would then be able to change into a back row of five when France attack.

In central midfield Toni Kroos will be the passing machine driving his team forward, next to him will probably be Schweinsteiger.

If the Manchester United midfielder will unable to play he will be replaced by either Emre Can or youngster Julian Weigl.

Up front, Loew will most likely count on Thomas Mueller as possible spearhead alongside Mesut Oezil and Julian Draxler or Mario Goetze.

In case Loew' s thoughts decide on a four-man defense (Hector, Hoewedes, Boateng, Kimmich), the German head coach will have one option more up front. Draxler and Goetze could be in the starting eleven to keep the French defense busy.

"The team that rules midfield will most likely win the game," Real Madrid midfielder Kroos said. "We' re prepared for a tough match."

"I love knock-out games against strong teams," the 56-year-old Loew said with a smile in his face. Endit