“Are we confident? No, because Germany are the world champions and favourites”, said Giroud.
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The Euro 2016 semi-finals start in Lyon tomorrow with Gareth Bale’s Wales taking on Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.
France have been far from their best for much of the competition, relying on late goals to pick up wins early on, followed up with a second-half fightback to overcome Ireland in the Round of 16.
France had not scored a first-half goal at Euro 2016 before this game, but became the first side in European Championships history to score four times before the break with Giroud’s 12th-minute opener proving the catalyst for a simply stunning display.
Deschamps surprisingly left the Atletico Madrid striker, as well as Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, out of Les Bleus’ second Group A game against Albania after a lacklustre showing against Romania in the tournament opener.
Nevertheless, he is France’s top scorer under coach Didier Deschamps with 20 goals in 53 appearances.
Giroud was quick to pay tribute to Iceland, the revelation of the European Championship after their 2-1 victory over England.
“I gave him a bit of problem in the second half because I put him on to the right [of the central defenders] because I did not want to take any more risks with Laurent Koscielny, who was a booking away from a ban”.
The French side rarely looked troubled as they completely outplayed their opponents to book their semi-finals clash now with Germany. Part of it is that France were very good but we weren’t sharp enough in our decision-making.
“It’s really impressive that the players turned it around as they did and I don’t think it was because France let us do that”.
France will need to continue moving in the right direction when they take on the world champions.
Deschamps hailed his side’s performance though he acknowledged the weaknesses highlighted by the two goals.
“From my perspective I am pleased, no more than that”.
Iceland’s national team is receiving a hero’s welcome in Reykjavik on Monday, a day after it was ousted from Euro 2016 by host France after a 5-2 defeat in Paris.
“But we are in the final four and we will go for it against the best team in the world”.
But France replied with Giroud beating Halldorsson to a Payet free-kick immediately before the Arsenal striker was withdrawn.
After tweaking his formation and starting team at Euro 2016, France coach Didier Deschamps seems to have found the flawless formula at just the right time.
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“There is team work to make sure us three can take advantage”.
