Dider Deschamps' men are hoping to emulate the achievements of the France sides of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 1984 by winning a finals they are hosting. France face Germany in Thursday's semi final-clash in Marseilles.

The two most highest rated sides at Euro 2016 will clash when host France face world champions Germany in the second semi final on Thursday
Didier Deschamps' men are hoping to emulate the achievements of the French sides of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 1984 by winning a finals they are hosting.

However, Germany are just two years on from being crowned world champions and remain a daunting prospect for any team to take on.

SOUNDBITE: (French) Hugo Lloris, France:

"I don't know if they are better. We will see tomorrow the result. They have a reputation to uphold after their performance and their consecration in Brazil. For our part, we don't want to know who are the favourites. We are really obsessed by the match against Germany. We want to do our best. And I already said, the mental strength will be very important. It's a semi-final. We are very close to the end. Our bodies are tired - but our minds will take control."

Although comfortable winners against Iceland in their quarter-final, France are yet to fully impress in both halves of a game, which they will need to do against Germany.

SOUNDBITE: (French) Didier Deschamps, France:

"We will have to score goals. We know there is not just (Manuel) Neuer. Of course, he is an excellent goalkeeper. That shows all the qualities of the German team. They don't concede goals because they are often in attacking. We speak a lot about their offensive qualities but they are also a team who defend very well. During their last game against Italy, when they lost the ball, they pressured them quickly. That allowed them to dominate their adversary."

While Matts Hummels is suspended for Germany, the return of midfielder N'Golo Kante and defender Adil Rami available again after suspension means this is shaping up to be an intriguing encounter - the outcome of which could determine the destination of the trophy.