Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny helped their France side to reach the European Championship final. Les Bleus overcome a strong Germany side last night, in order to set-up a match against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Sunday.
They did not get there with plain sailing however, after having very little of the possession in the opening half, an injury-time penalty was given for handball against Bastian Schweinsteiger, which Antoine Griezmann put away nicely, sending the keeper the wrong way.
The Atletico forward also found the net for their second, after a dogged-defensive display kept the world champions from creating any clear-cut chances, until beyond minute 85 at least.
Laurent Koscielny played a key role alongside Samuel Umtiti in defence, earning his side a shot at winning their first international title since their last Euros win in the year 2000.
Giroud talked to the press to revel in an emotional night. “It was an emotional night, we will enjoy it and then focus on Portugal,” Giroud said afterwards.
“It was a key moment to score the first goal, the penalty changed the game because Germany had created some chances in the first half but weren’t able to score.”
Giroud added via BeIN Sport: “It’s been a while since we beat that team in a big match. We’re very tired but very happy tonight. We’re going to enjoy this and then concentrate on the final on Sunday.
“I’d like to write a chapter in history and achieve something great on Sunday.
“We hope there will be a great ending to this tournament, we can’t stop now.”
France go into the final as odds-on to lift the trophy in their home country on Sunday, and with Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal side having been mostly lacklustre this tournament, I would be very surprised if they failed to succeed!
Does anyone believe Portugal will upset the host nation?
Pat J
Personally, Can’t wait for the EUROs to be Over….. Looks like our inactivity in this window is been clouded and overlooked by the ongoing fun!
[Germany’s Out…. If you want draxler or some star, now’s the Time….. And i’m surprised why is no one else other than Pep after Leroy Sane? ]
So exactly what inactivity are you talking about? Is it the 3 players we have already signed or is it the fact we are the 2nd highest spenders this window?
Momo Sissoko wow..what a player. can’t believe he plays for a championship club up to now.. Wenger sign him up ASAP. Better than Walcott and Chamberlain put together when played out of position on the right..His energy is fantastic.. His enthusiasm unmatched.. a very good team player and actually wants to play for Arsenal.. perfect player for Arsenal in my opinion
Giroud just reminded me as to why we need another striker.
Yes I hope Giroud and Koz
will win Euro 2016.
They are great battlers and deserve
a victory in a major competition.
But any team with Ronaldo must be respected.
It could go either way.
No matter what people say about Giroud (including e), Giroud is a Gunner and want the best for him and Koscielny too. Good luck to them both
We still need a better striker and another CB to partner Koscielny
let us not get carried away by France reaching finals. Kos yes has been a solid performer for both club and country but won’t say the same about giroud. Good for him but it’s not giroud who has carried France, it’s the likes of payet griezmann pogba and the French defence who has been the shining stars. I would even say any other better coach would play martial or coman instead of giroud . Play martial upfront and link up with griezmann and payet.
I would say wenger if is smart should sign a striker and use giroud when required or better capitalise on his current hype and sell him and get good money.
Other teams are strengthening and arsenal if want to compete have to strengthen. We cant judge other teams and criticize them for buying .