Summit meeting in Guimaraes

France and Germany already have an eye on the UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-finals and will be looking to build on their excellent Group A starts when they meet in Guimaraes on Thursday.

'Everything to do'
France silenced the home supporters with their 1-0 defeat of Portugal, while Germany prevailed by the same scoreline against Serbia and Montenegro. Les Bleuets coach René Girard was particularly pleased with his side's response to a stern test in Braga. "I admit I had some fears, given the quality of the Portuguese and the fact they were at home, but this focused our minds," he said. "We responded in the best way, but there is still everything to do."

Briand decisive
France made light of the absence of injured striker Anthony Le Tallec, with Jimmy Briand and Florent Sinama-Pongolle combining well up front. It was Briand's looping header that led to the only goal and Girard sees no reason to rush Le Tallec back. "He is operational, I could use him, but it's just a question of deciding when is best to do so."

'Fatigue'
Girard's main concern is how his team cope with playing two important games in three days. "It's a question of dealing with fatigue, we have to be careful. Physically the players will feel it, but the spirit is good. Winning is the best vitamin." Girard stressed, though, that the hard work has just begun. "We have to be vigilant and not think we've done enough. Germany are very solid, they like to move quickly from defence to attack. They finished above England in qualifying which shows how strong they are."

Praise for France
Les Bleuets were credited with having a similar attribute by opposition boss Dieter Eilts. "This French side is very strong, very robust both physically and mentally. They put Portugal under pressure and they wanted to score goals. It is no great surprise, to me at least, that they beat the hosts – after all, they had won a qualifying play-off against England. So, yes, the match against France will be very difficult for us," said Eilts.

Polanski worry
Germany's match-winner against Serbia and Montenegro, midfield general Eugen Polanski, is the sole injury doubt, although the coach was careful when asked about his likely selection during his pre-match press conference. "I will not make wholesale changes, but I can't tell you the exact eleven that will play. There could be minor changes though." With Germany unbeaten in two years, the less they can change the better.