Will France break through against airtight Germany?

France vs. Germany, Euro 2016 semifinal

Stade Velodrome, Marseille, France, Thursday, 3 p.m. ET

France +170
Germany +200
Draw +200
Total 2 (Over -120)

How they got here

Soccer powers collide for the right to move into Sunday's Euro final. Their respective quarterfinal matches couldn't have been more disparate. France used a massive first-half surge to beat a pesky Iceland side in blowout fashion, while Germany outlasted a tenacious Italian side in penalty kicks.

Most will consider Germany the first "real" opponent the French have encountered this tournament.

Who to watch

Antoine Griezmann and Dmitiri Payet are the reasons France finds itself in such a favorable position. The two offensive threats have combined for seven goals this tournament, spearheading an attack that's looked stagnant for extended stretches.

Olivier Giroud also rose to the occasion in the win over Iceland, scoring two goals and providing a much-needed aerial threat. Giroud didn't finish the match, a calculated decision by the French knowing the striker could be suspended for the semifinals were he to pick up a second yellow card. However, his status is still tenuous following Tuesday's session on the injury table during his teammates' practice session.

German soccer is synonymous with ruthless offensive efficiency accompanied by a serviceable back line. But it's been the German defense garnering praise this tournament while the offense seeks continuity. The lone goal by Italy came on a penalty kick, meaning Mannschaft has yet to concede this tournament during run of play.

The outlook for Thursday's match against France isn't all roses, with the German side facing major injury concerns. They'll be without striker Mario Gomez, whose insertion in the lineup gave them a viable attacking threat up top. Mats Hummels will miss the match because of yellow card accumulation and Bastian Schweinsteiger remains highly doubtful as well. These are significant absences given the varying threats posed by France.

What will happen

If there's one soccer nation that knows a thing or two about sending host nations packing, it's Germany. The last seven times they've played an opponent on their own soil, the results look like this:

2014 World Cup: Beat Brazil
2002 World Cup: Beat South Korea
Euro 1996: Beat England
Euro 1992: Beat Sweden
1986 World Cup: Beat Mexico
Euro 1976: Beat Yugoslavia
Euro 1972: Beat Belgium

You don't become world champions by faltering on the biggest stages. My pick entering the knockout round was Germany, given their depth and experience, but my stance is compromised amid significant injury concerns and a French Renaissance against Iceland.

I expect a great contest between soccer nations familiar with each another despite this match marking their first meeting in European Championship competition. Germany owns a trio of victories over France in the 1982, 1986, and 2014 World Cups but records are made to be broken.

It just might take more than 90 minutes to do so, and I haven't a clue who emerges victorious after regulation

The Plays: 1st Half Draw -115 and Full Match Draw +200 (for those inclined to bet "double result," +350 is widely available on Draw/Draw)

Euro 2016 YTD: 7-10-1 (-5.45 units)