Tournament hosts France take on the surprise packets Iceland at the Stade de France on Monday morning for a place in the semi-finals.
Here are three key talking points in a fixture not many would have expected prior to the tournament starting.
Iceland will no longer be underestimated.
Despite an impressive qualifying campaign (in which they defeated the likes of the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Turkey), and an undefeated group stage, the Strakarnir Okkar were given almost no chance by many before their round of 16 clash against England.
Almost a week on, nobody is underestimating the tiny nation best known for its volcanoes and Vikings. Despite the Three Lions choking once again on the big stage, Iceland were fantastic and were deserving of their boilover victory.
READ MORE: Euro 2016 – Quarter-final Match Preview – France vs Iceland
The pressure is on the hosts
If France Manager Didier Deschamps was given the choice to play any of the remaining teams in Euro 2016, there would be few that he would have chosen ahead of Iceland. In some ways, however, Deschamps and his men are at a ‘hiding-to-nothing’ in respect to this fixture.
If they win, they have simply met expectation. If they lose, they will have let down an entire nation – and on their own turf.
Les Bleus will need to show more resolve under the pressure of expectation than their counterparts from across the channel did if they are to progress.
Iceland, on the other hand, will continue to play without any pressure at all. Their run in the tournament is one that has captured the imagination of observers worldwide. Every game continues to be a bonus for them and they are a team confident of playing anyone.
A vulnerable French defence?
The hosts will not have to defend for long periods, yet they may be short on personnel against Iceland.
Leicester city holding-midfielder N’Golo Kante will miss through suspension, along with Sevilla defender Adil Rami. Yohan Cabaye is widely tipped to replace Kante, while Samuel Umtiti is expected to deputise for Rami.
Umtiti’s inclusion means he will make his debut for Les Blues, included ahead of the unpredictable Eliaquim Mangala. The Barcelona-linked man possesses obvious quality, but it remains to be seen if he will stand up under the pressure of a quarter-final.
Cabaye is also a more attack-minded player than Kante, and while his passing range from deep is no doubt better than the Premier League winning midfielder, do not expect the same protection offered to the back four.
Will Iceland be presented with some extra opportunities to get a foothold in this contest?
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