France–Germany football rivalry

The root of France–Germany rivalry could have dated back from the old tensions between France and German Empire after the capture of Paris by Prussian Army in 1870.[1] Since the end of the war, enmity between France and Germany increased, resulted with military arm race and eventually, set up the World War I. During the beginning of war, a peaceful moment, the Christmas truce, where a peaceful football match between French, British and German soldiers occurred.[2] This was considered the first unofficial match between France and Germany.

After the WWI, France and Germany played its first ever encounter in 1931 when France defeated the Weimar Republic. However, rivalry soon increased with the German invasion of France, thus antagonism between France and Germany remained persisted until the end of World War II.[3] After the WWII, France and Germany's rivalry faded from political and military rivalry, but football rivalry between two remains, attracted large supporters from both nations alike.[4] The biggest and most remembered memoir of two countries came to 1982 FIFA World Cup encounter between West Germany and France, with both teams produced three goals each and fouls.[5] Michel Platini himself declared the 1982 match as his "most beautiful game".[6]

• France–Germany relations

• Germany vs. France: Five of the best clashes between the two countries