France v Germany

DW: In the World Cup quarter final France will take on Germany. It will be the toughest test so far in the tournament for the Germans. What are the strengths of the French side?

Valerien Ismael: The French have grown during the tournament. They have shown themselves to be one team. They support each other. That wasn't the case in 2010. Of course they have individual quality too, in the midfield with Blaise Matouidi and Paul Pogba for instance, two tough tacklers who are technically very good too. They have Karim Benzema also of course, who scores goals up front or provides assists and the small player Mathieu Valbuena on the right, who is very fast. Also, they have central defensive players who are young, yet robust and good tacklers.

Is this game particularly important for France because it is against Germany?

Yes, this is always something special, especially at a World Cup. Since 1982, there is always a bit of tension. The pictures from back then are always there again. For that reason it's always extra special to play against Germany.

Germany versus France was a classic duel of the 1980s. In both 1982 and 1986, France lost to Germany in the semi-final of a World Cup. Back then the French, with Michel Platini, were seen as the artists, while the Germans were seen to be a bit technically limited, but very fit. How is the German team seen these days in France?

That has changed. You can see clearly that Germany has better individual players - that's my view at least. They are technically better than the French. But the French are a mixture of physical strength and strong defense. Germany benefits greatly from the technical skills of players like Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm and Mesut Özil.

All of the football fans in Germany are wondering ahead of the quarter-final where Joachim Löw will play Philipp Lahm, in defensive midfield or at right back. You played with Lahm yourself, where would you put him?

I can see why the national team coach would put him in defensive midfield. Philipp Lahm is a solid player, who always plays good passes, and is well positioned when defending. And he has perfect timing when tackling. He is always ready to accept a pass and only loses the ball rarely. So he fits the profile of someone who you need in that position. Philipp can play as a right back, left back, or in midfield and he always performs at a top level. It is not easy, but I can understand the decision from Joachim Löw. I would also let him play in the midfield.

You have both French and German citizenship, so who will you be supporting in tonight's game?

That is a very difficult question. For the first time, I can't really guess the outcome. I only know that I won't cry after the game, but I will be happy, irrespective of which team stays in the tournament. I am looking forward to it, because it should be an even game. It will be very interesting.

Valerien Ismael grew up in Strasbourg, right on the German-French border. In his professional football career he played for clubs in France and the UK, before spending time with Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich and Hanover 96 in the Bundesliga. He is now head coach at second divison German club, Nuremberg.