UEFA Euro 2016 semifinal: Germany 0-2 France
For the second time in Euro history after Euro 1984 and for the third time overall after the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the hoist country France will play the Final on front of its own crowd. The two previous times resulted in two titles in 1984 and 1998. France will have another shot of glory against a team it knows well, Portugal. Indeed French and Portuguese have played quite a few times against each other and France won the last 10 meetings. According to 888sport Euro odds, France is the heavy favorite to bring the title home 16 years after their last trophy, also the Euro in 2000.
France had to battle a valiant World Champions German team to reach the Final. It was a very difficult match and Germany had the most chances in the first half, controlling the ball and tempo with almost 65% possession of the ball. Germnay also had a few dangerous situations where they could have scored the first goal. Instead a penalty at the last minute of the first half for a hand ball from Schweinsteiger gave Griezmann the opportunity to put his side miraculously on top at the break.
The second half will be different and showcased the potent French team who would double the mark at the 70th minute mark again by Griezmann. Germany would respond with determination and push to score but constantly found a wall in GK Lloris who was phenomenal the all game and saved all German attempts to score. Germany was hoping to win this Euro two years after winning the World Cup but came short against France. Les Bleus deserve their sport to the Euro 2016 Final.
Didier Deschamps, France coach:
“I had my share [of finals] as a player. I’m very proud as a coach and proud of my players – it’s not that I’m not happy personally but it’s mainly for the players. When I wore this shirt it was the proudest moment of my career. There should be nothing above the French shirt for the players; perhaps that’s not always been the case but they’re now very aware of what they can give to people when they’re wearing this shirt for.
“We haven’t had easy games. Germany were the best side [we’ve played]; we did what we needed to today. Hugo Lloris was great, he was crucial today. Germany have a lot of technical ability, they move the ball very well and even though they were without a few players they had a lot of experience. We have a few players with a few caps but they gave everything and that’s great for me as a coach.”
“We’ve already [written history]. It was a long time since we’d beaten Germany but that didn’t mean anything today. We’re into the final and there’s a trophy up for grabs. I’m delighted for the players, it was a very tough game against a team who made us suffer but we suffered together. When you see the passion and the fervour in the stands around the ground… This team has everything it takes to be loved.
“We have three days before the final, it’s very short so we have to savour this victory. It’s an important step forward but the most important step is Sunday. We’re going to do everything in our power to go in to Sunday’s game in the best possible condition.”
Antoine Griezmann, Man of the Match:
“We’re very happy. We can start dreaming of 10 July. We have to keep our feet on the ground, there’s still a match to go; we’re going to enjoy tonight but tomorrow we’ll prepare for the final. 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.”
Joachim Löw, Germany coach:
“We were the better team. We put in a lot of effort, showed good body language, got forward and were good in one on ones. We were unfortunate to concede a penalty a minute before half-time, that was bad luck. We had our chances but didn’t score. Today we didn’t have the luck we needed; in 2010 and 2012 when we went out, the sides were better than us. Today we were better than the French but for the goals and result.”
“France have succeeded in getting to the final – if you win 2-0 you deserve it. I think France will win against Portugal – Portugal haven’t convinced me that much so far. France have a very good side but we were the better team today.”
We dominated France, most of all in midfield, but for this goal we didn’t. We created pressure in the second half but there was always the danger on the counter – we invested everything and we tried everything, and we had our chances.
“This was a good tournament for us. 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. It was impressive how players who didn’t play helped the side, so there’s going to be a short analysis but I haven’t seen too many errors in this tournament from us. Overall, we have a great side.“
