Antoine Griezmann Wins Euro 2016 Player of the Tournament: Stats and Reaction
Jul 11, 2016
France's Antoine Griezmann applauds fans at the end of the Euro 2016 semifinal soccer match between Germany and France, at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, Thursday, July 7, 2016. France won 2-0. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
UEFA officially named France forward Antoine Griezmann as Euro 2016's Player of the Tournament on Monday.
The competition's official Twitter feed announced him as the winner:
Per Squawka, Griezmann also created 13 chances in his seven appearances, two of which were converted by his team-mates.
Football writer James Horncastle believed he was the hosts' best player:
Griezmann is FRA’s player of the tournament. Can make a case that Lloris has arguably been the best of the rest. Quietly done a lot
— James Horncastle OMRI (@JamesHorncastle) July 10, 2016
After Griezmann suffered a heartbreaking defeat with Les Bleus in Sunday's final just six weeks after losing in the UEFA Champions League final with Atletico Madrid, football writers Miguel Delaney and Andy Brassell believed the Frenchman's stellar performances deserved better:
Poor Griezmann. Lost two massive finals in two months, and did more than anyone to get his teams there. His day will come.
The 25-year-old told French broadcaster M6 (h/t Goal's Dejan Kalinic) that he will be better for the experience: "I am proud of this group and of course even if we did not win. On a personal level, this is my second final loss in a month. I'll come back stronger. This can only help me."
In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, the recognition may prove to be of little consolation to the Atletico forward.
Nevertheless, it's well-deserved, even if he wasn't able to inspire his team to victory in the final.
When the dust settles and the disappointment eases, Griezmann will be able to look back on the award and take heart from his efforts.
Didier Deschamps' Tactical Indecision Costs France vs. Portugal in Euro Final
Jul 11, 2016
TOPSHOT - France's coach Didier Deschamps reacts after the Euro 2016 final football match between Portugal and France at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Portugal are 2016 UEFA European Championship winners thanks to a 1-0 victory over France after extra-time at Stade de France on Sunday.
The hosts’ wait for a third Euro title goes on, while the Portuguese are celebrating their first major international crown.
It took until the 109th minute for the deadlock to be broken in Saint-Denis, but when it finally was by Eder, it was worth the wait. The Lille OSC man let fly from outside the box, and Hugo Lloris in the home goal could do nothing to keep it out.
Despite their obvious disappointment at having lost the final, Didier Deschamps’ men can leave the tournament with their heads held high. Les Bleus already proved over the past month that the future for the France national team is bright.
Speaking with journalists after the final whistle at Stade de France, as reported by Ligue1.com, the 47-year-old tactician pulled no punches and admitted that his players were not clinical or composed enough to earn the trophy.
We threw away a great chance to be European champions. Of course the overriding emotion is huge disappointment. It's cruel to lose the final like that. I have to congratulate Portugal. Clearly we had our opportunities and we weren't clinical enough. We weren't cool-headed enough, but I can't hold anything against my players. They gave everything tonight. I don't think we played with the brakes on by any means. We'd have loved to win this trophy for the fans. There are positives, but it's hard to see them at the moment. Everything we've experienced over the past few weeks and months has been positive so I'm just disappointed we couldn't win this trophy for the millions of fans. I'm not going to think about myself tonight. I'll need some time to digest this, just like the players.
Substitute Andre-Pierre Gignac was presented with a glorious chance late in the match, and despite some sublime control to create the chance, he arguably should have scored when instead he hit the post.
Had the Tigres UANL man’s shot gone in, then France would be champions instead, but the game was decided by fine margins, and Portugal emerged victorious.
France's coach Didier Deschamps speaks to the players during the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANC
For Les Bleus, the post-mortem begins now, and when Deschamps watches the final back, he will probably feel that he could have handled things better and made different changes at different moments.
It all started to go wrong for the hosts when star man Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off for the Portuguese after 25 minutes. The Real Madrid superstar suffered a heavy knock after a collision with Dimitri Payet and was unable to continue—despite several brave attempts to play on.
From that moment on, complacency began to set in among the French players, and that is something Deschamps should have addressed before his first substitution after 58 minutes.
Kingsley Coman was ready to enter the pitch before the second half got under way, and he appeared to be preparing to come on, only for Deschamps to decide against the switch at the break.
The 1998 FIFA World Cup and 2000 UEFA Euro-winning former captain should have gone with his initial gut feeling at this moment.
Once introduced, the Bayern Munich starlet was one of the best players on the pitch, and had he been introduced 13 minutes earlier, France could have made a more dynamic start to the second 45.
By the time Coman was brought on, the match had lost a significant amount of intensity, and many players appeared to accept the inevitability of extra-time and penalties even at that early stage.
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: Dimitri Payet of France is congratulated by manager Didier Deschamps after being substituted during the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France on July 10, 2016 in Paris, France. (Photo by Micha
The decision to replace Payet was also questionable. Although the West Ham star had not enjoyed a good first hour in Saint-Denis, he is one of the few players in the hosts’ squad capable of producing a flash of brilliance from out of nothing.
Without Payet on the pitch, France became more predictable and less likely to conjure up the magic moment to beat the brilliant Rui Patricio in the Portugal goal.
Deschamps’ second mistake was bringing Olivier Giroud off after 78 minutes and replacing him with Gignac.
France's coach Didier Deschamps reacts as he watches the game during the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should re
Although the Tigres star hit the post and was inches away from winning France the Henri Delaunay trophy in 90 minutes, something that would have seen the France coach hailed as a genius, bringing Giroud off effectively ended Antoine Griezmann’s final as well as the Arsenal man’s.
Although Gignac is a target man like Giroud, the former’s ability to bring others into play is not as strong as the latter’s, and the former Olympique de Marseille man was never likely to combine as well with Griezmann as the Gunners star.
Deschamps’ third and final change was the introduction of Anthony Martial in place of Moussa Sissoko. The Newcastle United utility man was Les Bleus’ most impressive performer until his exit, and his combination of energy and pace unsettled Portuguese left-back Raphael Guerreiro.
Bringing off his best player—on the night—and the one he had seemingly built his starting XI around for the final was a bizarre move from Deschamps.
If anything, Martial would have been better coming on for Griezmann, who had essentially been a spectator since Giroud’s exit, as the Manchester United man’s pace could have troubled the otherwise imperious Pepe at the heart of Portugal’s defence.
Had Deschamps timed his substitutions better or thought more about the impact of bringing off the players he chose to withdraw, France could have won the game. However, the Frenchman’s inability to react to the surprise exit of Ronaldo in just the 25th minute set the tone for the evening.
France's coach Didier Deschamps looks on during the Euro 2016 final football match between France and Portugal at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on July 10, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Ge
Les Bleus have enjoyed a successful Euro 2016 campaign, despite their defeat to Portugal in the final, and Deschamps generally fared well as a coach.
With a few regular members of his starting XI who he was deprived of this summer expected back for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Deschamps should be able to guide his team as far—if not further—in Russia.
However, with the likes of Karim Benzema, Raphael Varane and Mamadou Sakho restored to the squad, Deschamps will have no excuse if he does not appear to know his strongest XI—as was the case for much of this tournament.
Deschamps’ pre-tournament plans were thrown into disarray by the late losses of Varane and Sakho, that is understandable, but it still should not have taken him until the 5-2 quarter-final win over Iceland to identify his preferred XI and formation.
The man from Bayonne must overcome his tactical indecision from Euro 2016 if he is to lead France to success in eastern Europe in 2018.
Antoine Griezmann Wins Euro 2016 Golden Boot: Stats, Comments and Reaction
Jul 10, 2016
France's Antoine Griezmann celebrates his side's 2-0 win at the end of the Euro 2016 semifinal soccer match between Germany and France, at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, Thursday, July 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Antoine Griezmann clinched the Euro 2016 Golden Boot on Sunday and finished as the tournament's top scorer, after Portugal beat hosts France 1-0 in the final thanks to an extra-time winner from Eder.
The Atletico Madrid forward finished with six goals to his name, at least three goals more than any other player in the competition.
Griezmann scored six goals at Euro 2016.
Griezmann's tally was the highest number of goals a player has scored at the UEFA European Championship since Michel Platini netted nine at Euro 1984.
Griezmann came into Sunday's final having scored five in his last three appearances for Les Bleus, including braces against Germany and the Republic of Ireland as well as a single strike in the 5-2 drubbing of Iceland.
AS Roma columnist Julian De Martinis suggested the tournament's top scorer also deserved the award for the best overall player:
No matter the result here, my PotT is Griezmann. If you don't consider him top 5 yet, don't think youll have to wait much longer.
Despite failing to hit the back of the net against Portugal, Griezmann laid the groundwork in the previous stages of the competition to haul in the top-scorer award.
The Frenchman's lack of a breakthrough on Sunday wasn't for a lack of trying, as Match of the Day emphasised midway through the second half:
Portugal and France played out a finale at the Stade de France bereft of many scoring opportunities, but Griezmann consistently looked like one of the most likely figures to break through.
It wasn't until the 109th minute that Portugal substitute Eder smashed home a long-range decider, becoming the Selecao's hero after Cristiano Ronaldo left early with a knee injury.
Griezmann had his chances to put France ahead in the final.
Olivier Giroud led France's line for much of Euro 2016, but Griezmann excelled while coming into the supporting-striker role, with Les Bleus evolving to shape much of their strategy around his displays.
Griezmann's first goal of the tournament was a 90th-minute header in a 2-0 win over Albania in the group stage, and even though Dimitri Payet netted a second just minutes later, Griezmann's breakthrough was a crucial one.
That effort was the Atleti frontman's only hit in Group A, but tournament-defining performances against the Republic of Ireland and Germany paved his route to the Golden Boot.Â
France's Antoine Griezmann Underlines World-Class Credentials with Germany Brace
Jul 8, 2016
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JULY 07: Antoine Griezmann of France celebrates at the end of the UEFA Euro 2016 Semi Final match between Germany and France at Stade Velodrome on July 7, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
France are into the 2016 UEFA European Championship final after a 2-0 win over Germany at Stade Velodrome on Thursday.
The world champions dominated the hosts possession-wise, but ultimately Les Bleus took their chances in clinical fashion and Joachim Low’s men did not.
The two-time winners will now have the chance to earn their third title in the competition and it will be their third out of four international crowns won on home soil if they are successful.
3 - #FRA will play their 3rd final in a major tournament on their home soil after EURO 1984 and WC 1998, both won. Bienvenue.
Antoine Griezmann struck twice for the French against Die Mannschaft to book their berth at Stade de France against Portugal on Sunday, and the Atletico Madrid man now has six goals to his name this tournament.
In such a rich vein of form and on the verge of winning Euro 2016, Griezmann must be an early contender for this year's FIFA Ballon d'Or.
Speaking after the match in southern France, the 25-year-old revealed his delight at the result and expressed his hope that he will be lifting the Henri Delaunay trophy this weekend.
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. I hope we'll lift the trophy, but for now let's enjoy tonight.
We're thrilled, we feel like kids. We know the whole country is behind us, so we're giving everything for them. I'm absolutely delighted and very proud.
There's still one match to go to finish with a flourish—it's going to be very tricky but I hope this won't be the end. It's our duty to win matches for the French public and let's hope we can finish on a high.
The difference between France and Germany on the night at Stade Velodrome was Griezmann’s clinical finishing.
Low's men beat their hosts in everything apart from putting the ball in the back of the net and although they did not enjoy dominance of possession, the French created some good opportunities.
France's forward Antoine Griezmann (L), France's defender Lucas Digne (C) and France's defender Adil Rami (R) celebrate after winning the Euro 2016 semi-final football match between Germany and France at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on July 7, 2016.
Griezmann stepped up and calmly slotted away from the penalty spot for the hosts’ opener on the stroke of half-time, and he displayed his predatory eye for goal when he seized upon defensive uncertainty to poke home in the second half.
The man from Macon could and arguably should have had more goals too; Manuel Neuer denied him with a low save in the first half, while a late counter-attack could easily have ended with Griezmann netting a third for France.
He was constantly a thorn in the Germans' sides and every time the hosts looked like doing something, it was through their in-form attacker.
Much has been made of the hosts' route to the final, with the Republic of Ireland and Iceland not of the same quality as the world champions.
Griezmann's four goals against Albania, Ireland and Iceland were detracted from somewhat by the fact that Germany had faced the likes of Italy on their way to the semi-final and Les Bleus' path was rather favourable.
However, the former Real Sociedad man's brace against Die Mannschaft has eliminated all doubt and he has once again added to his rapidly growing reputation.
Atletico’s decision to extend his contract until 2021 earlier this summer already looks extremely wise and with Diego Simeone—the man responsible for Griezmann's conversion into the prolific figure he is now—staying at Vicente Calderon, the future looks extremely bright for Los Colchoneros.
In fact, El Cholo deserves immense credit in France for his work with Griezmann. Without the Argentinian's tactical innovation and demanding training routines, the Frenchman would not have become the player he is now.
France's forward Antoine Griezmann celebrates after scoring the second goal for France during the Euro 2016 semi-final football match between Germany and France at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on July 7, 2016. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit
Put simply, Les Bleus are reaping the rewards from Simeone's graft and it is paying off big time for Deschamps after he moved Griezmann inside.
Captain Hugo Lloris and defender Samuel Umtiti’s roles in the win over Germany should not be overlooked, but it was Griezmann who was the man who made the most tangible difference with the two goals and a vibrant performance.
Once again, the France No. 7Â benefitted from being deployed behind Olivier Giroud in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and Deschamps has hit upon a system that could serve France well for the final and in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, too.
As long as Griezmann remains in that position behind a more physical presence, such as Giroud, Andre-Pierre Gignac or Karim Benzema—once the Real Madrid man returns from internal suspension—he will remain a major influence on this French side.
6 - Only Michel Platini (9) has scored more goals than Antoine Griezmann at the Euros in a single edition. Secured. #GER#FRA#EURO2016
Speaking after the final whistle at Stade Velodrome, Deschamps was effusive in his praise of Griezmann and played up his players' chances of success this weekend.
Antoine is a great player and he proved that again tonight in everything he did. He works very hard and along with Olivier Giroud, from a defensive perspective he made sure we were a very compact unit.
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 into Sunday's game in the best possible condition.
Now, though, Griezmann must concentrate on helping the French past Portugal in the final before thinking about what lies ahead.
Before the Germany match, Griezmann was arguably the player of Euro 2016 but now there is no doubt. He has been the star man and regardless of what happens against Portugal, he will have had a better tournament that the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Real Madrid man is a bona fide superstar, and although Griezmann now also belongs in that same bracket, the Portuguese currently has the trophy to show for it after Los Blancos' UEFA Champions League victory over Atletico back in May and the Frenchman does not.
If Griezmann can help his country to their third Euro title on home soil, then he will have given himself a chance to beat the likes of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the Ballon d'Or. If he can do that, then he will rightly be considered one of the three best players in the world.
France Celebrate Euro 2016 Final Berth with Iceland-Style Viking Clap
If Euro 2016 leaves behind any kind of legacy when the summer is over, it will almost certainly be the thunderous Viking-style chant that Iceland brought with them.Â
Following their semi-final victory over Germany in Marseille, France, on Thursday evening, the French national team and their fans celebrated by recreating the synchronised chant.Â
Clearly, this kind of chant is coming to a Premier League ground near you this August.Â
[Twitter]
Why Adil Rami and N'Golo Kante Should Not Be Restored to France XI vs. Germany
Jul 6, 2016
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 3: N'Golo Kante, Adil Rami and Sidonie Biemont behind attend the UEFA Euro 2016 quarter final match between France and Iceland at Stade de France on July 3, 2016 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
France take on Germany at Stade Velodrome on Thursday in the second of the 2016 UEFA European Championship semi-finals.
Didier Deschamps’ men beat surprise package Iceland 5-2 at Stade de France last Sunday to book their place in the final four, while Die Mannschaft had to rely on penalties to get past Italy at Matmut Atlantique.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 04: Olivier Giroud of France comforts Antoine Griezmann of France during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Quarter Final match between France and Germany at The Maracana on July 04, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian
Just over two years to the day that Joachim Low’s men knocked Les Bleus out of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the French have a great opportunity to exact some revenge by doing the same at Euro 2016.
Moussa Sissoko, who came in for the suspended N’Golo Kante and impressed against Iceland, admitted in a pre-match press conference that avenging that 1-0 defeat at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro back in 2014 is on the minds of the hosts’ players:
We want to win at all costs in order to qualify.
Being knocked out in the quarters at the last World Cup still sticks in the throat. This is the time to make amends for that defeat.
I don't think there is a special rivalry with this Germany team. They have a young team, just like us. They have a great team with some great players.
We have a calmer team than two years ago and we've had good results. We now need to prove ourselves on the field. Thursday, on paper, is the biggest game of the tournament. We'll do everything we can to reach the final.
It will be a difficult match against the world champions. But we have the home advantage. We have all the weapons to put in a good performance and to reach the final.
We haven't taken on as big a country as Germany yet. We're not going to complain about our draw as it allowed us to reach the semis. Thursday is a huge game.
Sissoko is right; Thursday is a huge game for both sides. However, it is arguably bigger for France, as the two-time winners have not faced a side as strong as the Germans yet and Low’s men will be missing some key figures.
Mats Hummels is suspended, Sami Khedira and Mario Gomez are both out for the remainder of the tournament with injury, and captain Bastian Schweinsteiger is a considerable fitness worry.
France's midfielder N'Golo Kante, France's defender Adil Rami and France's forward Andre-Pierre Gignac arrive prior to the start of the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on
Deschamps’ men will be a little worried about Olivier Giroud’s knee knock, but otherwise, the squad is in good shape. Kante and Adil Rami are also back from suspension, which gives Les Bleus’ tactician a pleasant headache.
The 47-year-old coach could bring both the Leicester City and Sevilla men back into the starting XI for this match as both featured in what was originally his strongest team. However, the deeper into the tournament the French have gone, the more Deschamps’ side has changed.
Although Kante and Rami were key players at the start of Euro 2016, they are not now, and the pair should not be brought back into the fold against Germany unless a late injury forces the 1998 World Cup- and Euro 2000-winning former captain’s hand.
The Iceland display was by far the most impressive from the hosts so far this summer, and the confidence created by that convincing victory will be important in helping France to get at Die Mannschaft in Marseille.
France's forward Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring a goal with France's forward Antoine Griezmann during the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on July 3, 2016. / AFP
Although their defence is rock solid, Low’s men have not been prolific in front of goal, and assuming Giroud is fit to start, the Arsenal man and Antoine Griezmann will have Germany’s back line concerned.
There is no clear reason to bring back either Kante or Rami, because neither was missed against Iceland.
Admittedly, the Germans are significantly superior to Lars Lagerback and Heimir Hallgrimsson’s plucky charges, but the latter were still a challenge for the French and were brushed aside relatively easily.
France's midfielder Blaise Matuidi, France's defender Bacary Sagna celebrate with scorer France's midfielder Paul Pogba (R-15) the team's second goal during the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France in Sa
Taking Kante out of the midfield has enabled Deschamps to find some balance in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Paul Pogba playing a deeper role and Blaise Matuidi occupying his preferred left-central-midfield berth.
Going for just two central midfielders instead of three in the usual 4-3-3 system has allowed Deschamps to move Griezmann behind target man Giroud and play Dimitri Payet out left and Sissoko or Kingsley Coman on the right.
The result of that tactical innovation has been seven goals in 135 minutes of football, with only two goals conceded. It was enough to help France recover from 1-0 down to the Republic of Ireland in the round of 16 to win 2-1 and to see off Iceland 5-2.
Tampering with this winning formula would be foolish at this crucial stage of the tournament. Sissoko did a decent job on the right against the Icelanders, while Coman changed the game against the Irish. Both will be of greater value to Deschamps against Germany than Kante.
LYON, FRANCE - JUNE 26: Adil Rami of France during the UEFA EURO 2016 Round of 16 match between France and Republic of Ireland at Stade des Lumieres on June 26, 2016 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
As for Rami, Samuel Umtiti was thrown in at the deep end last weekend and made his senior international debut alongside Laurent Koscielny in central defence. Although the Olympique Lyonnais man was not outstanding, he was solid enough and arguably deserves to keep his place.
France's coach Didier Deschamps gestures during the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on July 3, 2016. / AFP / MARTIN BUREAU (Photo credit should read MARTIN BUREAU
Of the two, perhaps it would be easier to bring Rami in than Kante, as that would require no change to the formation. If that straight swap was to be made, though, surely it would be down to experience only, as Umtiti is generally the more reliable player.
If Deschamps resists the temptation to recall both players, the same starting XI that beat up Iceland in the first half in Paris could reward their coach with another clinical display to reach the final.
However, should the France boss give in to temptation, then it would confirm the tournament-long feeling that he does not know his best XI and risk destroying the momentum built up against Iceland.
Confidence is vital at this stage of a competition, and Les Bleus have it in abundance at the perfect moment. Deschamps and his players must not let this opportunity slip.
Barcelona New Boy Samuel Umtiti Is No Weak Link for France
Jul 5, 2016
France's Samuel Umtiti, top, challenges for the ball with Iceland's Jon Dadi Bodvarsson during the Euro 2016 quarterfinal soccer match between France and Iceland, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, France, Sunday, July 3, 2016. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Adil Rami has cut an optimistic figure for France during Euro 2016, as well he might after a whirlwind end to the 2015-16 season.
From seeming like he was miles away from France manager Didier Deschamps’ set-up, via a historic Europa League win with Sevilla, all the way into Les Bleus’ XI. He even managed to get away with criticising Deschamps for originally overlooking him (as per RMC, reported here by L’Equipe, in French), a very similar offence to the one that saw Dimitri Payet cast out of contention for the best part of a year.
The centre-back was bullish again as he talked to a huddle of journalists at Parc OL, after enduring a tough match against Republic of Ireland in the last 16—during which he collected the yellow card that prevented him from playing against Iceland in the quarter-finals. “Yes, I’m thinking about the semi-final (already),” he told us. “I already see myself in Marseille. I have the right to, because I won’t be playing in the quarter-finals.”
The only problem with the Sevilla defender’s theory was that if France did arrive at Stade Velodrome for Thursday’s second semi with their hopes in the competition safe and sound, his chances of recouping his place in the XI always looked flaky.
After Sunday’s thumping win over Iceland that, for France’s defence at least, was the quintessential game of two halves, Rami has a chance of coming back in, but the smart money is on preserving the status quo against Germany.
Samuel Umtiti, who made his first France appearance against Iceland in Rami’s stead—not his first start, or his first competitive start, but his first appearance, period—is a player who is easy to believe in. He may be new to starting internationals, but Umtiti is far from being a greenhorn. At just 22, he’s already made 170 first-team appearances for Lyon and carries himself with true authority.
Umtiti’s not tall for a centre-back, standing a touch under six feet tall, but he’s known as "Big Sam" (as he’s been dubbed by Patrice Evra in the French squad, noted here by Lyon newspaper Le Progres, in French) for a reason. Many, internationally, presumed that the older Eliaquim Mangala would replace the banned Rami, but it appears that was never in Deschamps’ mind.
The coach has not been shy to invert the supposed natural order in marshalling his group at the Euro. In fact, he did so at Umtiti’s expense initially, calling up Rami when Raphael Varane pulled out, despite the fact that the Lyon defender was, unlike his Sevilla counterpart, already on the standby list and presumed to be the next cab off the rank.
Completely in character, Umtiti kept his own counsel, bided his time and was ready when the chance came. Having made his Lyon debut at 18, he has grown up in public; sometimes painfully, like back in 2013 when he endured a dressing-down from captain Maxime Gonalons for driving a new Maserati (complete with "Sam 23" personalised licence plate) to the club’s Tola Vologe training centre on the day after the team suffered a humiliating defeat at AC Ajaccio (as told by So Foot, in French, quoting L’Equipe).
Lyon's French forward Alexandre Lacazette (L) celebrates with Lyon's Cameroonian defender Samuel Umtiti (R) after the French L1 football match between Lyon (OL) and Monaco (ASM) at the Parc de l'Olympique Lyonnais in Decines-Charpieu, central eastern Fran
That sense of straightening things out in-house is a strong Lyon trait, at a club where the academy has typically been a central piece. Having learned his lesson, Umtiti had a comparable status to Gonalons by the time he agreed to join Barcelona last week. That he came from a similar football background to the one which the Spanish champions are known worldwide for has clearly played a part in their choice to recruit him.
On a technical level, Umtiti’s performance against Iceland showed the world that Barca had done their homework. He was by no means faultless, but the reaction to his display in Catalonia has been positive.
The most noticeable element of his match was in the distribution stats column. Umtiti attempted 76 passes, as per WhoScored.com, which is more than any of his three defensive colleagues; he completed 100 percent of those passes. Having taken the place of the injured Jeremy Mathieu in this tournament, it is not hard to imagine Umtiti swiftly doing the same at club level.
Having stepped in for Jeremy Mathieu in Euro 2016, Umtiti is set to do the same at club level
The pair’s versatility is another thing that links them. Just as Mathieu originally came to prominence at Toulouse playing on the left side of midfield, Umtiti started out at Tola Vologe as a left-winger and frequently played left-back after breaking into the first-team—it’s from that position that he scored his most celebrated goal, a rocket against Tottenham in the Europa League.
The main difference between Umtiti and Mathieu is that by the time the former had made the senior side, he was always recognised as a specialist centre-back, though he could fill in elsewhere. That polish came through against Iceland, though the second half also underlined his willingness to put his foot through the ball where necessary. It’s a side of the game he has never shied away from.
“When I’ve made two passes and I’ve managed to take the ball out neatly, I’m happy,” he acknowledged in an interview with France Football earlier this year (in French). “But (being) a defender, it’s not just that. The job is to stop the opposition from scoring, to tackle if you have to, and to clear it into the stand if you need to.”
This pragmatism is exactly why he’s grown to be appreciated so quickly by his France team-mates. Who should start alongside Laurent Koscielny against Germany is an especially germane discussion before Thursday’s big encounter, because that second period against Iceland has planted a few seeds of doubt in French minds, almost overshadowing the ruthless first-half display that swept England’s conquerors aside.
Umtiti will wait if he has to, with the patience he has shown before. He already did in rejecting a series of advances from Cameroon, the country of his birth, including a personal approach by the legendary Roger Milla, who met Umtiti’s advisers, as per that France Football interview. He assented to that, he said, “out of politeness.”
There was never a doubt in his mind. “From the start, I wanted Les Bleus,” he said. Now Umtiti is there, maybe it is the start of the sort of defensive certainty that France have needed for a while.
Clinical France Blow Brave Iceland Away, but Defensive Deficiencies Remain
Jul 4, 2016
France's defender Patrice Evra (L), forward Olivier Giroud (2nd L), forward Kingsley Coman (2nd R) and France's defender Bacary Sagna (R) acknowledge the fans after France beat Iceland 5-2 in the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on July 3, 2016.
/ AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
France are in the semi-finals of the 2016 UEFA European Championship after their 5-2 thrashing of surprise package Iceland at Stade de France on Sunday.
Lars Lagerback and Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men were expected to give the hosts a thorough examination in Saint-Denis but instead looked spent from their victory over England in the round of 16.
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 03: Olivier Giroud (R) of France celebrates scoring his team's fifth goal with his team mate Paul Pogba (L) during the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final match between France and Iceland at Stade de France on July 3, 2016 in Paris, France.
Les Bleus opened the scoring through Olivier Giroud after 12 minutes and did not look back from there. Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann all found the back of the net before the end of the first half, giving Didier Deschamps’ men a 4-0 lead at the break.
Iceland restored some pride after the restart, beating the French 2-1 over the second 45 minutes, but Giroud’s second goal of the match meant the two-time European Championship winners ran out 5-2 victors.
Speaking after the final whistle in Paris, as reported by Ligue1.com, Deschamps revealed his delight at the performance:
It wasn't easy to manage everything, but this evening we did all we had to in the first half. Afterwards we let up a little, and I really wanted to protect Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny.
They were facing a possible suspension and it would have been really stupid to lose a player in such a game.
Germany have been the best team, without doubt, even if they had a bit of a hard time on occasion against Italy, who took them all the way. But we are there, in the final four, and we will give our all against the best team not only in Europe, but the world.
There are a lot of positives to take away from this evening and I'm delighted for the players as they deserve this, and for these fans who have been behind us for months.
To be able to offer them something to make them smile and feel happy and to have another week here—I'm delighted about that.
After looking much better in the second half against the Republic of Ireland in the last 16 than they did in the first, Deschamps kept faith with the 4-2-3-1 he switched to against the Boys in Green in Lyon.
Barcelona-bound Samuel Umtiti came in to replace the suspended Adil Rami in central defence and enjoyed a solid-enough senior international debut, while Moussa Sissoko was preferred to Kingsley Coman on the right side of the attacking midfield trio.
France's forward Olivier Giroud (R) celebrates after scoring a goal with France's forward Antoine Griezmann during the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on July 3, 2016. /
Keeping faith in the 4-2-3-1 enabled Deschamps to employ Blaise Matuidi in his preferred left-sided central-midfield role and Griezmann just behind target man Giroud in attack. Those two tactical details contributed toward a first half attacking blitz from France.
Matuidi was key in the opening goal; the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder played a sensational ball into the path of Giroud, who finished clinically. The Arsenal man added an assist to his tally before half-time, while Griezmann had racked up two assists and a goal by the break.
The hosts took their foot off the gas a little in the second half, allowing Kolbeinn Sigthorsson to score before Giroud grabbed his second—this time from a Payet assist—and Birkir Bjarnason added an extra consolation strike for Iceland.
Iceland's forward Kolbeinn Sigthorsson (C) reacts after scoring his team's first goalin the nets of France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris during the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Pa
However, as impressive as Les Bleus were going forward, there remain significant questions over the defence after leaking their first two goals from open play at Euro 2016.
Admittedly, it was not ideal for Deschamps to throw Umtiti in at the deep end for his first France appearance, but the 22-year-old put in a respectable performance.
France's coach Didier Deschamps reacts during the Euro 2016 quarter-final football match between France and Iceland at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on July 3, 2016.
France beat Iceland 5-2. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit sho
The problem was Les Bleus switched off after half-time, and although that was slightly understandable at 4-0 up, it is also something that the team must not repeat against Germany in Thursday’s semi-final in Marseille.
Rami will be back for the clash at the Stade Velodrome, so the Sevilla man will surely replace Umtiti alongside Laurent Koscielny, but Bacary Sagna and Patrice Evra will need to do more to help this France back line make it through the encounter.
Deschamps’ men are allowing too many crosses into the box, and although their most obvious weakness is from set pieces, France’s defence is not the best at dealing with the aerial threats posed by their various opponents.
(L-R) Moussa Sissoko of France, Dimitri Payet of France, Adil Rami of France, Bacary Sagna of France, Paul Pogba of France, Patrice Evra of France during the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final match between France and Iceland on July 3, 2016 at the Stade de Fra
Les Bleus will almost certainly line up in the same 4-2-3-1 they used against Iceland when they face Germany, and with Mats Hummels suspended on Thursday, the Mannschaft's rearguard could be more vulnerable than usual.
However, if Deschamps cannot get his players to cut out the defensive lapses, then their run toward the final could be cut short at the final hurdle.
France have finally arrived at Euro 2016 in the way many expected them to do in the group stage. The hosts must make the most of being on home soil and exact revenge on Joachim Low’s men for their 2014 FIFA World Cup exit in Brazil.
Can Stuttering Hosts France Still Go All the Way at Euro 2016?
The French might have invited the rest of the continent to Euro 2016, but so far they haven’t been the most accommodating or entertaining hosts.
Of course, they are unbeaten, and in to the quarter-finals, where they will Sunday night face Iceland at the Stade de France in Paris for a place in the last four.
But it has all been a bit of a struggle; France have not glided through this tournament with sumptuous displays of attacking football, but rather they have had to huff and puff, and narrowly secure their wins.
They had an attack of first-night nerves in their opening game against Romania and needed a goal from Dimitri Payet to rescue them in the last minute.
In their second game against Albania the French could not muster a goal until the death, when Payet and Antoine Griezmann scored in added time, and then against Switzerland they played out a rather uninspiring goalless draw.
In the round of 16, Ireland could sense France were vulnerable, and went ahead in the first minute, but they couldn’t hold out and were eventually worn down, with two goals in the second half from Griezmann.
Can France continue to stumble through Euro 2016 in this fashion all the way to the final?
So far the draw has been kind to them, and put the modest knockout obstacles of Ireland and Iceland in their way, but should they triumph tonight, Germany await them in the semi-finals.
The France manager Didier Deschamps has to find a way to energise his team from the very first minute, for the hosts remain the only team not to score in the first half at Euro 2016.
So far they have been too sluggish and timid at the start of games, unable, or unwilling to trust their attacking players, and take the game to the opposition.
"We react instead of taking the initiative," the veteran French defender Patrice Evra has said, as reported by the Associated Press (h/t the Daily Mail). "I get the impression that we only play well when we have our backs to the wall. I hope we're going to start well and not wait until the second half before we step on the accelerator."
France have located this obvious problem, they now need to address it.
France's defender Patrice Evra smiles during a press conference in Clairefontaine en Yvelines on June 30, 2016, during the Euro 2016 football tournament. / AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
It would help if Deschamps, who has been blessed with a squad of incredible depth and talent, actually knew who should be in his starting 11.
Like a higher class Roy Hodgson, Deschamps has also been thrashing around, changing his team, dropping players, bringing them back and all the while desperately trying to work out his best team.
Deschamps has fielded a different team in each of France's four games so far.Â
And he will have to change his team for a fifth consecutive game with N’Golo Kante and Adil Rami being banned for the quarter-final against Iceland.
Their likely replacements, Morgan Schneiderlin and Eliaquim Mangala have both endured underwhelming seasons in Manchester, and so could weaken France.
In fairness to Deschamps, France have claimed each of their three winning goals after he has made his first substitution, proving that shuffling his players around can also be effective.
What should also give Deschamps hope is that his much-derided defence has stood firm, conceding only two penalties so far, while the majority of his attacking players have shown their obvious quality. Â
In Griezmann France appear to now have a reliable source of goals, who has so far scored three from three starts, the first Frenchman since the venerated Zinedine Zidane managed that amount at a European Championship.
But France are not solely reliant on him, with Payet also relishing this opportunity to prove he belongs on this elevated stage.
The West Ham attacker has scored two goals and, like Griezmann, taken his exceptional club form from last season in to Euro 2016.
With this pair in such fine goalscoring form, France always have a chance.
Paul Pogba was expected to be France’s leading player at this tournament, but, possibly overwhelmed by all the hype, we haven’t seen the best of him yet.
There were, however, promising signs in the win over Ireland, where Pogba played with greater presence and authority, and finished the game with more touches and passes than anyone else on the pitch.
LYON, FRANCE - JUNE 26: Antoine Griezmann of France is congralated by teammate Dimitri Payet after scoring his second goal during the UEFA Euro 2016 round of 16 match between France and the Republic of Ireland at Stade des Lumieres on June 26, 2016 in Ly
If Pogba steps up like this again, the hosts could still prove to be unstoppable.
Don’t discount Kingsley Coman as well, his telling contributions have bolstered France, and the Bayern Munich man has a lot more to offer at this tournament.
France will surely learn from England’s mistake, who treated Iceland as a novelty and a mere warm-up game for their expected quarter-final appearance.
Iceland do pose a threat, they are in the last eight on merit, and France will have noted they didn’t simply hang on for dear life against England, and actually produced more shots on target than Hodgson's side.Â
Above all, France need to heed Evra’s words, and grasp the initiative in games, for these late goals and comebacks are bound to run out soon.
Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann Tandem Is Key to France Victory vs. Iceland
Jul 2, 2016
France's Antoine Griezmann, left, celebrates with his teammate Olivier Giroud after scoring his side's first goal, during the Euro 2016 round of 16 soccer match between France and Ireland, at the Grand Stade in Decines-ÂCharpieu, near Lyon, France, Sunday, June 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani)
Despite Iceland’s impressive 2016 UEFA European Championship campaign so far, France will be considered favourites when the two sides meet at Stade de France in Paris on Sunday.
The hosts have only just started to warm up after their second-half recovery against the Republic of Ireland to win 2-1 at Parc Olympique Lyonnais last weekend, while the Icelanders have played out of their skins to come this far.
Lars Lagerback and Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men beat England 2-1 in Nice on Monday and will come into their clash with Les Bleus high on confidence.
As reported by ESPN FC, France’s Bacary Sagna told journalists in a pre-match press conference on Friday that Iceland “slapped England in the face” and urged his team-mates not to underestimate this weekend’s opponents.
It's a shock, a shock for the country. A lot of people expected it to be France vs. England. They've got a big slap in the face. The criticism of the players is too much. They'll get a new coach and try to manage the pressure better.
I thought England would win because they have a young team with plenty of talent. On the other hand, I was quite happy for Iceland because they played really well. They taught England a lesson and deserve to be where they are.
We certainly do not underestimate Iceland but we belong to the best sides in Europe, we're among the favourites and we're at home. We have a status to live up to. When we see how the people in the fan zones celebrate when we score a goal, it warms our hearts. We just can't let them down.
I'm not thinking about defeat. I'm not planning to go on holiday early. I want to go all the way. We haven't practiced penalties. Because we're counting on making the difference earlier.
For a lot of people they are the surprise of the tournament, like the Leicester City of Euro 2016. But they totally deserve to be here and have shown they can beat good teams. You can't underestimate them.
Although he possesses the stronger squad on paper, Didier Deschamps must align the right starting XI in Saint-Denis on Sunday if the French are to avoid a difficult evening.
Coming into the encounter with the pre-tournament minnows, the 47-year-old tactician is reportedly undecided over three potential formations to play.
One option for Deschamps is his tried-and-tested 4-3-3, which has not been working as well this summer as it has done in the past. Another is the 4-2-3-1 that France finished their win over Ireland playing in and then a 4-4-2 with the potential to take a diamond shape in midfield.
Whichever formation Deschamps opts for, the French coach must keep Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann as close together as possible.
Put simply, the Atletico Madrid man does not work out wide on the right any longer. In theory, it is a passable option, but in reality, Griezmann is too isolated on the wing and is too accustomed to the central role that he has made his own under Diego Simeone’s guidance at club level.
The 25-year-old is the hosts’ top scorer so far with three goals, and he netted two of those in the round-of-16 victory over Ireland.
However, without Giroud playing a key role in the build-up to chances in the second half in Lyon, Griezmann arguably would not have scored either of his efforts.
The Arsenal target man and the Atletico star are the perfect combination of a big, burly striker and a smaller, quicker supporting attacker. Up against a physical Iceland defence, marshalled by Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kari Arnason, that tandem will be vital to Les Bleus’ hopes of finding the back of the net.
If Deschamps starts in the 4-3-3 formation that it looks good on paper, it's a system that has not been working in reality.
Both Paul Pogba and Blaise Matuidi prefer to play on the left side of central midfield, meaning one immediately starts out of position, while putting Griezmann on the right and Dimitri Payet on the left means neither is in his preferred role either.
Although still not 100 per cent ideal, the 4-2-3-1 is a much better compromise. Introducing Kingsley Coman on the right, as Deschamps did at half-time against the Irish, Griezmann can move infield and play just behind Giroud.
That way, the France No. 7 can profit from the balls that his team-mate is able to knock down to him with his head and chest.
In midfield, Pogba occupying a deeper role and Matuidi playing on the left side of the pairing worked effectively against Ireland. It might not be the Juventus man’s best position, but he played it well last weekend, and his deployment there allowed the Paris Saint-Germain all-rounder to salvage his display.
Payet is still marooned on the left in such a formation, but with Giroud and Griezmann occupying most of Sigurdsson and Arnason’s attention, he should have more freedom than usual, and more opportunities to move inside should present themselves with the space that opens up.
The other option is a 4-4-2, which could either be flat or in a diamond, consisting of the same players that the 4-2-3-1 would comprise.
However, in such a system, Payet would be able to occupy his favoured playmaking role behind Giroud and Griezmann.
Coman would start on the right, which would mean the hosts have plenty of width still, but Matuidi on the left with Pogba deeper than ever would be far from ideal.
Unless one of Matuidi or Pogba was dropped for a player adept at playmaking from defensive midfield, such as Yohan Cabaye, the formation arguably would not work. Even with the Crystal Palace man, a lot would still depend on the midfielder deployed wide on the left.
Whatever Deschamps does, he must keep Griezmann central. Therefore, the 4-2-3-1 or the 4-4-2 look like the best options.
If Giroud and the Atletico hotshot can combine in the same way they did in the second half of the Ireland match, France should have too much for Iceland at Stade de France and should reach the semi-finals.
