Hosts France weathered a first-half storm against Germany to run out 2-0 winners in the Euro 2016 semi-final in Marseille, a result which sets up an intriguing final clash with Portugal on Sunday.
Germany utterly bossed the first-half, but despite the scheming of Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos, the lack of an in-form striker proved crucial. Without the injured Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller needed to kickstart his dismal tournament, but instead the Bayern Munich star produced another impotent display.
Just before half-time, and totally against the run of play, Les Bleus took the lead after Bastian Schweinsteiger handled in the box. Antoine Griezmann stepped up to fire home the resulting spot-kick to give the hosts an undeserved lead at the break. Still not sure about the celebration though.
France lead in Marseilles. Cool penalty from Griezmann and interesting celebration.. #EURO2016 #FRAGER #FRA pic.twitter.com/ic7IJdTt4n
— KnowFootball (@KnowFootballApp) July 7, 2016
In the second-half, France improved, buoyed by their one-goal advantage. The Germans continued to look for openings, but once again the lack of a cutting edge would leave them frustrated.
Then, with 18 minutes left, Griezmann sealed the deal for the French, prodding home after an initial error by Joshua Kimmich in the box.
German had now run out of ideas and ultimately, despite all their possession and good passing, they just couldn’t break down the French defence.
Didier Deschamps’ charges march on to the final in Paris, hoping their repeat their success on home soil in both the 1984 Euros and the 1998 World.
As for Germany, they need to start producing some decent young strikers!
Highlights…
(Highlights: Footytube)