Euro 2020: Deschamps ahead of unique record

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By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, June 14 (June) -- The roles might be defined ahead of the UEFA 2020 EURO's duel of two football giants. 2018 World Champion France takes the part of the favorite when crossing swords with 2014 World Champion Germany.

At least French coach Didier Deschamps doesn't seem overwhelmingly fond of being seen as the superior side. "Favourite? What does it mean? Two great football nations meet; that's what it is about," the 52-year-old said.

Aside from personal views, football fans can't wait for the kick-off of one of the continent's most exciting duels in Group F in Munich this Tuesday evening.

In the tournament's "Group of Death" featuring 2016 European Champion Portugal and underdog Hungary the battle of the neighboring countries is sure to be one of the defining matches.

FAVOURITE ROLE

France coach Didier Deschamps has warned his players not to take Germany lightly.

The 52-year-old said: "We are the reigning World Champion, and we are aware of our qualities. But we shouldn't make a mistake to get self-confidence and a slightly arrogant approach mixed up," Deschamps said.

France has the goal to win this year's tournament, "but it's not like many in France think, and we win every game as soon as we have entered the pitch."

"We are ready for every possible challenge," Loew said.

HOME ADVANTAGE

2,500 French fans will witness their team's encounter against Germany among 14,000 fans allowed in the Munich stadium.

German keeper Manuel Neuer spoke about having the most fans behind his team in his home club arena. "To play at home means something," the Bayern keeper said.

Four of the members of the "Equipe Tricolore" might feel at home as well. Kingsley Coman, Lucas Hernandez, Benjamin Pavard, and Corentin Tolisso play Bayern Munich.

Eight Bayern players complete the German squad after midfielder Leon Goretzka returned from injury.

COACHES

French coach Didier Deschamps can become the first to win both the World Cup and the Continental Championship as a player and a coach.

As a player, he won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 UEFA EURO. As a coach, he succeeded at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Joachim Loew is leaving the German job after the UEFA 2020 EURO after 15 years in charge. The 61-year-old won the 2014 World Cup.

ATTACKING LINES

Loew called it "not a good idea" to leave anyone of the strikers "alone for only one second." But, the German coach added: "All of the strikers we will see in action on both sides can decide a game."

Loew praised the qualities of the French stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Karim Benzema. At the same time, Deschamps spoke of Kai Havertz, Serge Gnabry as well as Timo Werner, and Leroy Sane as a threat to any opponent.

DEFENCE

The newly formed German back-row competes with Deschamps' chain of four with the central pair of Hernandez and Pavard as full-backs. France's central pair Presnel Kimpembe and Raphael Varane, seem vulnerable when under pressure.

Returnee Mats Hummels has been away from the German team for over two years. Antonio Ruediger has to confirm his upswing for his club in the national team's shirt. To choose a back-row of five seems a suitable way to stop France's game down the wings. Enditem

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