France are vying for a record-equalling third European Championship title and go into their quarter-final as overwhelming favourites against a country with a population of just 330,000.
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It’s been a remarkable tournament so far but it goes without saying that Iceland’s 2-1 win over England was one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Euros, a fact that ultimately forced Roy Hodgson to resign as England manager.
France coach Didier Deschamps collects balls during a training session of the French national team in Clairefontaine training center, outside Paris, France, Wednesday, June 29, 2016.
Journalists want to know the secret behind Iceland’s success, but the simple answer is hard work – and not being “sloppy”. We were the first team to beat Holland at the Amsterdam Arena so there were so many times that the other teams could have seen what was coming for them. If not, the French defence will need to show far more resolve on set pieces than England did.”We keep scaring ourselves, we’re insane”, the 35-year-old said.
“There have been surprises from the outset of this tournament”.
Sagna warned his team-mates they will eventually be “punished” if they fail to address their tendency to start matches slowly as they head into the latter stages.
Deschamps is expected to start with Crystal Palace’s Yohan Cabaye in Kanté’s midfield berth, with Samuel Umtiti – who has agreed a £22m move from Lyon to Barcelona – replacing the suspended Rami at the back.
Co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson suggests all the pressure is on their opposition. France is a -233 favorite to win the game in regulation, while the game going to extra time would pay +368.
France will be “better and more cohesive” than England, said right-back Saevarsson who ensured England’s left winger Raheem Sterling had a quiet game in Nice.
Aside from a cruel own goal in their group-stage draw with Hungary, which would nearly certainly have resulted in a score anyway, Saevarsson has been one of Iceland’s most consistent performers at the Euros, playing every minute of every match.
“It was a rather a light training yesterday”.
“We use the Swedish way”, Hallgrimsson said.
Cardiff City midfielder Gunnarsson is relishing the chance to test himself against France star Paul Pogba, who has yet to hit top form for Les Bleus.
“You always try to find the strength and weaknesses in every team”.
The fairytale continues on Monday at a sold out Stade de France against the host nation, who despite showing glimpses of their best, are yet to hit full throttle in their home tournament.
The coach also mentioned that they are considering the upcoming match as a big game for the team since they will be fighting it out with the talented hosts.
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“We will take measures to limit the effect of that aspect of their game”, he added.
