Germany boss Joachim Low has rejected suggestions Euro 2016 hosts France will be the favourites for Thursday's semifinal but said he expects them to provide a sterner test than Italy.
Germany head to Marseille's Stade Velodrome on Thursday (9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET, ESPN) looking to secure a place in the final against a France side in high spirits after their 5-2 demolition of Iceland in the quarterfinals.
World Cup holders Germany, meanwhile, endured a more draining last-eight encounter as they required a penalty shootout to see off Italy after a 1-1 draw, and they go into the match without Mats Hummels, Mario Gomez and Sami Khedira, while there are serious doubts over captain Bastian Schweinsteiger's availability.
However, France boss Didier Deschamps has said Germany are "the best team not only in Europe but the world" and Low refused to label the hosts favourites.
"It would be easy to push them into that position," Low said. "You could say that we have many injured players, France have the home advantage and therefore they are favourites, but that just doesn't count during the 90 minutes.
"It will be a match at 'eye level.' I relish those games. I love knockout matches against such teams."
However, Low admitted that finding solutions for the semifinal will be more difficult than for the Italy match on Saturday, where he adopted a three-man defence to provide additional protection.
"I knew that we'd score a goal against Italy, and it was necessary to play a three-man defence even though that was at the expense of our attack," Low said. "Against Italy, intelligence and patience were what was demanded. They have exactly two attacking 'plays.' They were predictable.
"France are less predictable. They frequently change positions. I still need to think of a plan against France."
France made a slow start to the tournament, requiring late goals to see off Romania and Albania in the group stage before drawing with Switzerland, and then having to come from behind to beat Republic of Ireland 2-1 in the round of 16.
However, Low said they will be in buoyant mood after their comprehensive victory over Iceland.
"They played outstandingly well," he said. "They also have good morale. They will be oozing with confidence. France have a dynamic team with a lot of power and force in attack. They are very, very strong.
"We have respect, but putting aside our personnel situation, we know what we have to do."
He warned that Deschamps' side are not reliant on Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, saying: "Griezmann is class, and one of their most important players, but they also have Paul Pogba, Olivier Giroud and their speedy wingers."
Germany have never met France at a European Championship but came out on top during their meetings at the 1982, 1986 and 2014 World Cups, with Les Bleus winning the third-place playoff between the nations at the 1958 tournament.