Image source, Getty Images

The pace of Elodie Thomis is causing a few nervy moments for the Germany defence. The Germans have already swapped their full-backs in an effort to nullify her, but still she has defenders worried, just losing her footing at the last moment after wriggling into the area.

Maybe England boss Mark Sampson was on to something with his defensive set-up against France?

Anja Mittag has a crack from distance for Germany but the ball sails well, well wide. If only her shooting was as good as her tattoos. Some impressive full length arm ink going on.

Germany are  finally starting to show their teeth a bit more and should at least hit the target when Simone Laudehr crosses to the far post from the right, finding Celia Sasic, but the striker heads over.

A let off for France, but how much will they regret not scoring early doors?

Image source, Reuters

It has been relentless from France, but Germany have coped with it and finally have their chance to test the French defence when they win a free-kick midway inside their opponents half. 

The ball is driven into the area and goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi comes racing off her line, punching the ball poorly but Germany can't capitalise.

That early chance for France was playmaker Louisa Necib's seventh shot of the tournament but still she has no goals and only one on target.  

Image source, Getty Images

Come on ref, sort it out. 

France have another free-kick, this time on the left side of the Germany area and Louisa Necib tries to play it short to Amel Majri on the edge of the area. Referee Carol Chernard is in her way, and fluffs it up even more when she tries to move, leaving a distracted Majri to loop a shot over.

Another chance for France as a free-kick is floated into the area and Laura Georges sticks out a boot, poking the ball through a crowd and just wide of the post. 

Germany coach Silvia Neid's stay in her seat was brief, she is on the edge of her technical area now, and looks angry. Very slow start by her team.

Image source, Getty Images

Oh my word, you've got to stick those away! France make an electric start as they win possession and burst down the right with pace through Elodie Thomis, she crosses into the area, the Germany defence is nowhere to be seen and surely Louisa Necib scores? Nope, stabs wide. Should have done better.

Silvia Neid takes her seat in the dugout as her Germany players get this game under way.

Germany have the pedigree, but France have the backing. They'll have strong support in the predominantly-French speaking city of Montreal and they've had the bigger of the cheers from the crowd as kick-off approaches.

The teams are out in Montreal, the Fifa anthem is on - it's almost time for kick-off.

Which of these giants will still be standing in a few hours time?

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

So we've got 'Mini Messi' at the Women's World Cup in the shape of England's Fran Kirby, and tonight 'the Female Zidane' is in action. 

France playmaker Louisa Necib is frequently compared to former Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane.

She plays in a similar position, they both grew up in Marseille and both are said to possess incredible technique on the pitch. 

"Zidane is a role model for me," Necib has said previously. "He was always the player that I most enjoyed watching. I love beautiful football. It's a vehicle for enjoyment on the football pitch. And without enjoyment, it's impossible to play well."

Image source, AP

Matt Underwood has given us his prediction for who will be in the final, do you agree with him? Who do you think will go all the way and win this year? Which team's technical talent has impressed you the most?

Let us know via #bbcfootball, text in on 81111 (UK only) and have your say on the BBC Sport and Match of the Day Facebook pages.

The Independent's Glenn Moore:, external "The Germans play an aggressive high-tempo pressing game with good use of overlapping full-backs. They have a potent attack, with Anja Mittag and Celia Sasic having already scored five goals apiece. 

"The French tend to have a more deliberate build-up but also have skilled, powerful players and good depth. Striker Eugenie Le Sommer is having a fine tournament and winger Elodie Thomis, when in the mood, is a handful while Wendie Renard is a commanding centre-half and Amandine Henry is currently outshining the highly rated Louisa Necib in midfield."