Germany coach Joachim Low has named veteran striker Miroslav Klose in his starting lineup for this evening's World Cup quarter-final clash with France in Rio.
The build-up to the encounter was dominated by reports that Low was forced to contend with a depleted squad following rumors that up to seven players were struck down with flu.
Die Mannschaaft make three changes in total from the extra-time win over Algeria, with Mats Hummels replacing Per Mertesacker, while Philipp Lahm drops into defence to accommodate Sami Khedira in midfield.
Klose comes in for Mario Gotze to spearhead the Germans' attack at the Maracana, and will usurp Brazil legend Ronaldo as the tournament's all-time top goalscorer if he finds the net.
Meanwhile, Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps makes two changes to his first XI from the 2-0 win over Nigeria in the last round.
Arsenal contingent Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud drop out of the lineup for Mamadou Sakho and Antoine Griezmann respectively, while Karim Benzema leads the forward line.
France: Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Cabaye, Pogba, Matuidi, Valbuena, Griezmann; Benzema
© Getty Images
Germany: Neuer; Howedes, Hummels, Boateng, Lahm; Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Ozil; Muller; Klose
© Getty Images
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