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