Preview: Germany Under-17s vs. France Under-17s - prediction, team news, lineups

There were goals aplenty in their respective semi-finals earlier this week, and both nations have had to work hard to reach the tournament showpiece.

Match preview

Events such as this rarely produce teams playing each other on two occasions, yet that it what will transpire when Germany and France renew acquaintances later this week.

They had each prevailed in their opening Group C fixtures before Germany came from behind to register a 3-1 triumph in Balmazujvaros on May 20.

A double from Paris Brunner, with an effort from Robert Ramsak in between, during a seven-minute period in the second half helped Germany finish in top spot, five points clear of their upcoming opponents.

Nevertheless, their previous encounter should not necessarily be used to determine that Germany are the clear favourites for this contest, even if they have scored 16 times in just five games.

In the quarter-finals, they trailed Switzerland in normal time and on penalties before emerging victorious in the latter, while they twice overturned a deficit in a thrilling semi-final with Poland before posting a 5-3 win.

Brunner and Ramsak now have four goals apiece in this competition, in stark contrast to France whose goals have been shared around the squad.

Mathis Lambourde, Yanis Ali Issoufou and Tidiam Gomis have contributed two strikes each, all getting on the scoresheet in the final 17 minutes versus Spain to upset a nation that has reached two of the previous five finals.

Before that, a late penalty proved to be the difference in a 1-0 win over England, who reacted to claim the final World Cup qualification spot, and it feels that France have come through the tougher fixtures.

Aside from conceding three quick goals in the Germany match, France have been solid at the back, a factor which could prove decisive during what should prove to be an entertaining final.

Germany Under-17s Euro Under-17 Championship form:

France Under-17s Euro Under-17 Championship form:

Team News

Germany will be able to call upon Maxim Dal after the centre-back missed the semi-final through suspension.

Taylan Bulut may potentially drop out of the back four to accommodate his return in what may prove to be the only alteration to the team.

While Assan Ouedraogo picked up a knock in the quarter-finals, he came through 81 minutes versus Poland and should be fine to start here.

Meanwhile, winger Tidiane Diallo is back in contention for France after serving a one-match ban, although he may have to settle for a spot among the replacements after Gomis's contribution versus Spain.

Issoufou scored as a substitute last time out and could be restored to the front three, but alterations have been made frequently over the last three games and more would not be a surprise.

Germany Under-17s possible starting lineup:

Schmitt; Da Silva Moreira, Jeltsch, Dal, Kabar; Ouedraogo, Harchaoui; Herrmann, Darvich, Brunner; Moerstedt

France Under-17s possible starting lineup:

Argeny; Titi, Meupiyou, Kayi Sanda, Sangui; Bouabre, Ferro, Bouneb; Issoufou, Lambourde, Gomis

We say: Germany Under-17s 1-2 France Under-17s

With both teams producing blistering conclusions to their last-four matches, they have momentum in droves and will each fancy their chances of lifting the trophy.

For us, though, we have to go with the stronger defensive unit in France, who will feel that they have the edge when faced with pressure at the other end and will back themselves to gain revenge for the defeat earlier in the tournament.

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