Deschamps, who met reporters much later than expected, said he was delayed as he soaked up some of the atmosphere after France defeated Germany in a major competition for the first time since the 1958 World Cup.
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There was an air of controversy over his opening goal on the stroke of half-time, however, with referee awarding Les Bleus a penalty after Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.
Manuel Neuer of Germany greets the spectators after the Euro 2016 semifinal match between France and Germany in Marseille, France, July 7, 2016.
France coach Didier Deschamps celebrates at the final whistle.
Against Germany, they needed more than Griezmann’s goals. “The team did well, played well, scored two important goals against the good-feel team of the tournament, Wales”, he said.
Germany desperately pushed forward. But France held firm for a famous and thrilling victory.
Deschamps hailed Germany as “a great team”.
“I have won everything at club level and the individual level, this would be a great achievement to win something for the Portuguese team”.
France rarely had the ball and spent most of the match resisting sustained pressure from the world champions but Griezmann still did what he does best: playing with the energy and enthusiasm of a little boy in a school match. “We know the whole country is behind us, so we’re giving everything for them”.
“I always trusted my players”. “This team has everything it needs to be loved, I’m very proud. This is their story, their victory”.
He is the joint fourth top scorer in all European Championship games combined – level with, among others, Henry, who took three tournaments to score six.
“If there is an anti-Ronaldo plan, no one has yet found there recipe”.
I’m not expecting the prettiest of games at the Stade de France as Portugal will probably do all they can to stunt the attacking ambition of their opponents, in the hope that Ronaldo can come up with a moment of magic or two that will win them the big prize.
“For the second goal I was hanging back to wait for an error from the goalkeeper”. Ronaldo and his fired-up team won’t make it easy for France, but the home team should be able to take this all the way.
France celebrate after winning the Euro 2016 semi-final against Germany.
Sunday’s final could therefore become a possession-based duel, which may not suit France.
“We are aware of our past defeats against France, but that can give us extra strength and motivation”.
The return of Pepe could be a huge boost for Portugal (Picture: Getty)How did they get there?
“He’s (Griezmann) a great player and he proved that against Germany, he works very hard, along with Olivier Giroud from a defensive perspective he made us a very compact unit”, Deschamps was quoted as saying by goal.com after the win.
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“There’s nothing to blame him for”, Loew said of his captain, who won his 120th cap on the night.
