He was widely ridiculed for accusing Iceland – population 330,000 – of having a “small mentality” after the 1-1 draw between the teams and then slammed a penalty against the post as Portugal drew 0-0 with Austria.
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It was the first time France defeated Germany in a competitive match since the 1958 World Cup, a drought that included defeats in the semi-finals of the 1982 and 1986 World Cups and the quarter-finals two years ago.
“He has this speed and technical ability, he had a few chances”.
The Atletico Madrid forward has scored more than any other player at one European Championship since France’s Michel Platini hit a record nine at the 1984 finals.
France started the tournament in sluggish fashion, needing late rallies to grind out victories, with a defence showing signs of nerves.
Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal stand in their way at the Stade de France – a ground that 240 days earlier was targeted by terrorists during a sickening night of attacks across Paris.
A thrilled Evra was proud but reminded France they still had work to do to complete the job. “It’s disappointing to go in at the break trailing as we did”.
“We were the better team, we invested a lot (in the match)”, said Loew. “We’re delighted. Both before and during the game it was great with our fans – let’s hope we can relive that in the final”.
All those images must have been on his mind on Thursday but his feelings after the final whistle were all about pride and joy. I’m delighted for the players, it was a very tough game against a team who made us suffer but we suffered together.
“The new rules improved the lives of referees and decisions are better understood by those watching us too”.
“You could say his hands couldn’t have been up, but there is little he can do to control them, so I can’t blame him for that”. We haven’t done it in a long time. We have great energy in this side, they showed great effort – also in training in Evian – and in the games they’ve proved their great team spirit.
“We’re very happy”, he said.
“We had our chances, but sadly we didn’t score”.
“But we still have one step to take”.
France play Portugal in the final on Sunday.
“I’d like to write a chapter in history and achieve something great on Sunday”.
“I really wanted to take a penalty in a big match like that”.
Schweinsteiger, who returned to the XI due to an injury to Sami Khedira, has apologised to the Germany supporters following the defeat, in addition to paying tribute to hosts France. He atoned, partially, in the penalty shootout, but Ronaldo had the last laugh, tucking away the fifth and final spot-kick to secure his third European title.
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Ronaldo, by contrast, had to soak up a lot of criticism after lacklustre showings by his high standards before playing a decisive role by scoring a goal and setting up another in a 2-0 semi-final win over Wales.
