France and Germany are among the nations who have already won a World Cup at some point. France won its only title when it hosted the tournament in 1998, and Germany, winners of three World Cup titles, last stood victorious in Italy 1990 where they beat Argentina 1-0.

This will be the fourth meeting of these two rival European soccer powers. Germany, than West Germany, has won the last two meetings between the two sides, both coming in the semi-finals of the 1982 and 1986 competitions.

The 1982 encounter is most remembered for Germany's goalkeeper, Harald Schumacher, and his violent challenge on Patrick Battiston that went unnoticed by the referee. The German side came from a 1-3 deficit to tie the match 3-3 and send it into a penalty shoot-out which Germany eventually won. 

When: Friday, July 4th

Where: Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

Kick-off: 12 pm ET

Live Stream: ESPN Player, BBC iPlayer

TV: ESPN (US), BBC One (UK)

According to SBNation, these are two very talented clubs-either of which would not shock anyone if they were to win the whole tournament. They are both that good. Predicting a winner in this stage, with a bid for the semifinal on the line, is no easy task.

If any edge is to be given, it might be to France, who has probably the narrowest of fitness advantages over their opponent. However, Germany has one of the deepest rosters in the tournament, so this perceived weakness could be easily countered with substitutions.

Team News

France's sole injury concern is that of Mamadou Sakho, their centre-back. Sakho was on the bench during the team's last match, a close win over Nigeria. Laurent Koscielny took his place in the lineup, but Sakho may return to see playing time in this match.

Germany will have to play without their defender Shkodran Mustafi. Mustafi tore a muscle, thus cutting his tournament short, in the group stage match against Algeria. Podolski and Hummels should both be back for this match after they were plagued by a muscle pull and the flu, respectively.

Projected Lineups (left to right)

France (4-3-3): Hugo Lloris; Patrice Evra, Mamdou Sakho, Raphaël Varane, Mathieu Debuchy; Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye, Paul Pogba; Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema, Mathieu Valbuena.

Germany (4-3-3): Manuel Neuer; Benedikt Höwedes, Mats Hummels, Per Mertesacker, Jerome Boateng; Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Toni Kroos; Mario Götze, Thomas Müller, Mesut Özil.