Disappointing Germany faces rejuvenated France in World Cup quarter-final

Ahead of the World Cup quarter-final clash on Friday between two European powerhouses, Germany v France, at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana stadium, here is a look at the past meetings between the two rivals.

Michel Platini's disappointment... The French midfielder sits on the pitch while West German players celebrate after Horst Hrubesch won the penalty kick in extra time, leading West Germany to World Cup final, Seville, 8 July 1982. AFP/files

Friday's match represents a test for Germany coach Joachim Loew who has been heavily criticised.

Loew has a contract until June 2016, but a quarter-final exit will put him under pressure to resign.

Meanwhile, France has steadily risen under coach Deschamps, and with Karim Benzema in top form.

The French are dreaming of their first World Cup title since 1998.

France's national soccer team players attend a training session. From L to R: Rio Mavuba, Remy Cabella, Karim Benzema, Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba. 2 July 2014. Reuters/Charles Platiau

• Gothenburg, Sweden, 28 June 1958                                                                               World Cup third-place play-off: France 6 - 3 West Germany.  France lost 2-5 against Brazil and West Germany was defeated 1-3 against Sweden in the semi-finals and missed out on third place.
• Paris, France, 23 February 1977                                                                                 West Germany was the World Cup title holder when the team travelled to the French capital for this friendly game. Olivier Rouyer scored the only goal of the encounter (53'), 1-0 for France. 
• Seville, Spain, 8 July 1982                                                                                           World Cup semi-final: West Germany 3 - 3 France with West Germany winning on 5 - 4 on penalties. The game is remembered for the shocking challenge by German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher on France's Patrick Battiston who left unconscious with a damaged vertebrae.
• Guadalajara, Mexico, 25 June 1986                                                                            World Cup semi-final: France 0 - 2 West Germany. An early Andreas Brehme free-kick put the Germans in front, and Rudi Voeller clinched the win right at the end.
• Paris, France, 6 February 2013                                                                                France 1 - 2 Germany. France had not been beaten in six meetings with Germany, all friendlies, since the fall of the Berlin wall. A German win was overdue and they got it at the Stade de France last February.