France V Iceland: What just happened

Hosts France took on minnows Iceland in a quarter final clash at the Stade de France with the winner taking on Germany in the semi finals. Before the match, it was reported that a suspicious package was destroyed in a controlled explosion inside the Stade de France. It was only last November when Islamic State organised and carried out a terrorist attack in the French capital. Icelsnd, coming off the back of a giant killing against England and France coming from a goal down against the Republic of Ireland and winning 2-1. New Barcelona centre half Samuel Umtiti started for the French after sealing a move to the Spanish champions after an impressive season at Olympique Lyon. West Ham winger Dimitri Payet whipped in a good free kick and Umtiti rose to meet it but sent his header wide, decent chance for Didier Deschamps men. Payet then from the edge of the box seen his shot saved by the Icelandic goalkeeper after a good passing move from the French. Moussa Sissoko then seen his cross collected by the goalkeeper. Bjarnasson then scuffed his chance for the Icelandics wide. The French side were as expected dominating the opening passages of possession. Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud then found the net after being played through by Blaise Matuidi and on the half volley put it through the keepers legs to give France a 1-0 lead. Iceland then went to Aron Gunnarson for a trademark long throw but it was easily cleared by the French defence. Manchester United target Paul Pogba then got France's second after rising highest from a corner to score past the man on the post to put the game beyond Iceland. Iceland then with another long throw seen their best chance come and go as the ball went over Lloris' goal. France them continued to dominant the possession of the ball with Moussa Sissoko looking lively in the opening half hour. Matuidi with his weaker foot sent the ball well wide from the edge of the box after France had kept the ball so well. Glyfi Sigurdsson then from a free kick looked to have troubled Hugo Lloris who seen the ball late. A few moments later Dimitri Payet grabbed himself another goal after a great delivery from Bacary Sagna few to him and from about 20 yards placed his shot past the keepe to get his 3rd of the tournament and more than likely send Iceland home. Antione Griezmann grabbed Frances 4th before the end of the half with a beautiful chip over the keeper to grab another goal in his search for the Golden Boot. The referee then called for the ball after a dominant display from the French.

The second half began with a chance for Dimitri Paget who seen his shot go high and wide as the West Ham player showed a lack of technique in that attempt. Iceland then began to see much more of the ball and we're playing some good football as they looked to maintain their pride. Then Iceland finally got a goal with a great cross from Sigursson to find former Ajax striker Sigthorsson at the near  post and with a toe poke found the net. Oliver Giroud then bagged his second as France restored their 4 goal advantage as he beat the keeper to the ball and put the game being doubt and was then withdrawn for Andre Pierre Gignac coming on for the Arsenal man who was in hunt of a hat trick, but with a semi final with Germany on Thursday more important to Didier Deschamps. Hugo Lloris then denied Ingason a goal with a huge save from the substitutes header. Payet then created a great chance with his footwork but seen his cross deflect for a corner. France were looking for as many goals as they could and with 10 minutes to go, it looked to little to late for the brave Icelandics. Dimitri Payet was withdrawn for exciting winger Kingsley Coman and was met with a standing ovation for his contributions. Former Chelsea legend Eidur Gudjohnsen was introduced for his 88th cap and likely his swansong. Bjarnason then grabbed his second of the tournament as the Fremch loss concentration as they adding another consolation to make it 5-2. Bayern Munich man Coman then seen his tame effort saved easily by the keeper as the game due to a close. Although France had scored 5, there defence looked shaky at times particularly from set pieces, but they got the job done tonight and will play Joachim Löws Germany on Thursday.

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