Greizmann brace stops German march. Now Les Bleus braces for A Selaccao
A few fine saves by French keeper Hugo Lloris along with a double from Antoine Griezmann propelled France past Germany and into Sunday's Euro 2016 final against Portugal.
The French have won the last two major touraments they hosted. This time, they'll be going for a third.
Goals scored at the Euros:
— bet365 (@bet365) July 7, 2016
Antoine Griezmann – 6
Entire England squad – 4 pic.twitter.com/wqOp4WQ4jc
The French fans clapped, cheered and - for some reason unknown to those outside the stadium - performed the Icelandic Thunderclap, more than a few times. They went from the national anthem to the chorus of the White Stipres' song, Seven Nation Army. The French fans did not want to be left out. They made an impact.
France's hoodoo against Germany has been banished. The competitive hold the Germans held on the French, stretching back over half a cetury, is over. France sent the World Champions home. "It was an extraordinary result," Pogba said. It could well end up being an extraordinary tournament.
In a moment of controversy (well, according to some at least), Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger was adjuged by the referee to have handled the ball while trying to defend the corner. Penalty was given and Griezmann kicked it in the back of the net. The second goal, that came with 72 minutes gone, should have been kept out by Neuer but Griezmann pounced and sealed the victory.
French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a fine few saves - one from Emre Can - and kept a clean sheet at the end of the night. Joshua Kimmich may have struck the woodwork and Muller may have been determined to at least score one in the tournament, but Lloris was having none of it. The French won and the Germans get to go home. For Joachim Low, the coach of Germany, this loss will hurt more than ever. Whether he stays in job till the 2018 World Cup in Russia remains to be seen.
Reasons Germany failed:
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) July 7, 2016
1) Six week winter break
2) Season tickets are too cheap
3) Too many coaches with UEFA A licenses
France will overwhelmingly be the favourites when the final comes around on Sunday at the Stade de France in Paris. Portugal, will be looking for one last hurrah in this tournament. It will be interesting to see but the host nations look set to pick up another major trophy.
The final takes place on Sunday, 10 July at 12:30 AM IST.
Photo curation by Vikas Kumar
First published: 8 July 2016, 11:31 IST
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