FRANCE V GERMANY
The Press Association's MatchStory team have captured advanced data for every goal scored and conceded by the 32 World Cup finalists during their qualifying matches, except Brazil for whom their fixtures in 2013 were used, to build a profile of each team's strengths, weaknesses and playing style.
Europe will see at least one of its representatives make their way into the World Cup semi-finals as France prepare to take on Germany in the second quarter final clash at the Maracana. While the stakes may not be as high as they were back in 1982, the encounter evokes memories of the semi-finals fixture between the two sides - a match which is nowadays remembered for the Harald Schumacher's horrific challenge on Patrick Battiston.
Germany have been in tentative form following their initial 4-0 thumping of Portugal in the group stages - a match which saw their stock rise significantly - but their narrow win against Algeria means many are wondering if they peaked too early. They will need to be at their best to overcome a French outfit which, so far, has exhibited slick, attacking football.
Goals galore?
With 19 goals between them, this clash sees two of the tournament's most dangerous attacks go head to head. The nine goals that Germany have managed so far is bettered only by France's 10, Colombia's 11 and Holland's 12. Now that the standard of opponent is rising sharply, we'll soon discover which of these attacks can unlock stronger defences.
Attacking sharpness
Les Bleus' average of 18 efforts on goal per game is the most of any side in the tournament except Belgium, while Germany's 15 is the sixth highest. Not only have these two teams been keeping defences occupied, they're also two of the most accurate when in sight of goal. The Germans have hit 61.7 per cent of their shots on target - the sixth highest at the finals - and France aren't far behind with 61.1 per cent. While the forwards will be under scrutiny, it's the goalkeepers who should really be tested.
Accurate passers
After Italy, Germany have been the most accurate passers at the tournament, getting 90 per cent of their passes to a team-mate, while only three other sides have exceeded France's own impressive 87 per cent pass completion. This match should therefore be a masterclass in ball retention, with both teams eminently capable of keeping the ball out of the other's reach. The question is whether these sides can maintain this discipline while chasing a goal.
Summary
Friday's clash sees Germany make their ninth consecutive appearances in a World Cup quarter final and Joachim Low has a job on his hands if he is to reinvigorate his charges and take them at least one step further. Their performance against Algeria generated much debate around his tactics and style, and a reported outbreak of flu in the German squad will not have helped preparations. France will again be looking to prove their credentials, having played some attractive football throughout the tournament and performed much better than many would have expected. A young Les Bleus side are being spurred on by the rapidly-maturing Paul Pogba, who will have the chance to show why he is so highly rated against one of the most formidable midfields at the tournament.
MatchStory is the Press Association's unique approach to delivering insight from football data. We will be providing data-driven previews, analysis and summaries for every World Cup match via the Wire, our website (www.matchstory.co.uk) and Twitter account (@MatchStory).
