Olivier Giroud believes France have a chance to overturn a history of failure against Germany at major tournaments in what promises to be an “extraordinary” Euro 2016 semi-final.
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“This has been a fairytale story around the world: a small nation going all the way to the quarter finals”, he said.
France, chasing their third triumph at a major event on home soil after winning the 1984 European championship and 1998 World Cup, had set a place in the last four as their minimum goal.
The French hadn’t managed a goal in the first half of any of their previous matches at this championship, but they found their way through the Iceland defence all too easily, with Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet also helping themselves to goals.
Defending world champions Germany’s preparations for the heavyweight Euro 2016 semifinal clash with France on Thursday have been seriously disrupted by injury and suspension.
France, who had struggled on their path to the last eight, needing late rallies and scoring all their six goals before Sunday’s match in the second half, followed Deschamps’ orders by taking the game to their surprise opponents straight away.
Deschamps hailed his sides performance though he acknowledged the weaknesses highlighted by the two goals.
“We experienced something simply wonderful, it was a dream come true and we are proud to have brought such cheer to our country”, he said, adding that the friendly behavior of the fans had done the country proud.
Samuel Umtiti became the first French outfield player to make his worldwide debut during a major finals since 1966 as the Barcelona-bound defender replaced the suspended Adil Rami. “Even if it’s disappointing now, the whole picture is a fantastic journey”. I’ve enjoyed – maybe not the first 45 minutes today – but all my time in Iceland and it’s been a privilege to be involved.
“Of course this result will be remembered forever and it’s up to the players how they handle that”, the distraught Man City man had lamented.
Lars Lagerbäck (Iceland co-coach): “I’d like to congratulate France”.
“We don’t do everything perfectly – although we did a lot well tonight – and commit to everything”. So semi final of Euro Cup 2016 is going to be excellent and we are going to see 3 more great games.
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“Coming as a newcomer and getting to the quarter-finals, the players have done a marvellous job”, Lagerback said.
