France now move on to the semi finals where they will meet Germany in what is a mouth watering prospect between two of the game’s giants.
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French supporters congratulated their team waving France’s red, white and blue flags and honking their horns.
Olivier Giroud confounded the doubters as France reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals – but the striker is savouring the victory rather than his man-of-the-match display against Iceland. “Maybe it was a little bit hard (for him) at the start but he’s always been there when we need him”.
Former European Championship and World Cup-winning captain Deschamps opted for the same system against Iceland, surprising many by preferring the powerful Moussa Sissoko to the speedy Kingsley Coman on the right flank.
Four goals in the first half helped France progress to its first semifinal in a major tournament since 2006 and it will face world champion Germany in Marseille on Thursday.
After Iceland’s stunning win over EnglandAn epic final clap when Iceland lost to FranceEven French fans did itOf course, British supermarket chains got in on the actionBut this is how it’s meant to be done.
France vs Iceland scorecard ended badly for Icelanders, but they will go home with pride.
He has continued that fine form in the knockout stages so far, and was once again at the top of his game as they beat Iceland last week.
The French doubled their lead after 19 minutes, when Antoine Griezmann’s corner was thumped into the net by a header from Paul Pogba at the far post.
France were the better team, controlled the game and never looked like they were going to lose, but that didn’t dishearten Iceland, who refused to relent until the final whistle had been blown.
“Germany are the best side, there’s no doubt about that – although they had a few scares against Italy”, Deschamps said.
“It is true it’s not possible to forget about that, but we are fully concentrated on the Euros and our performance”, said Hugo Lloris, the France and Spurs goalkeeper.
Iceland kept pushing forward despite the scoreline and the team was rewarded with six minutes left in normal time when Birkir Bjarnason headed home to make it 5-2.
“It’s been a fantastic journey for me and I feel all the positivity and interest deep in my heart”, he said. We’ll have to start well.
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“Coming as a newcomer and getting to the quarter-finals, the players have done a marvellous job”, Lagerback said.
