Supporters gathered in Marseille on Thursday (7th July) ahead of the 2016 European Championship semi-final between France and Germany.

Excitement has been building as fans of hosts France and world champions Germany have been gathering in Marseille ahead of their teams' Euro 2016 semi-final clash later on Thursday evening.

SOUNDBITE (German): Hans (no second name given), Germany fan from Munich:

"I hope it will be a good game with lots of good atmosphere inside and outside the stadium. The weather is great, there are lots of friendly French and I am really looking forward to the game."

Marseille was the scene of trouble between England and Russia fans early on in the competition, but both French and German fans appeared to be in good spirits ahead of Thursday's showdown.

SOUNDBITE (German): Tania (no second name given), Germany fan from Munich:

"I am so much looking forward to the game, I am happy about the peaceful atmosphere, a lot friendly people. The French have been really welcoming, I am curious about the security, I haven't seen much of it, no police but I think everything will remain peaceful."

Joachim Löw's side are hoping to emulate France's achievement of holding both the World Cup and European Championship trophy at the same time. Germany also came out on top 1-0 the last time both sides met in the quarter-finals at the 2014 World Cup. But fans of Les Blues remain optimistic.

SOUNDBITE (French): Liza (no second name given), France fan:

"It will be a hard game but we believe in it (victory), we can't wait to see what they will do on the football field."

With a carnival atmosphere reaching fever pitch in the centre of Marseilles, the second semi-final showdown between France and Germanyat the Stade Vélodrome promises to be a mouthwatering encounter.