After steering France toward a home Euro 2016 final appearance with a 2-0 win over Germany, Didier Deschamps said the most important victory awaits on Sunday’s final against Portugal.
Despite being made to “suffer” by Germany, particularly in the first-half, goals either side of half-time to Antoine Griezmann sealed a 2-0 win for the host nation.
Deschamps was very proud of his players in the post-match and said the focus now turns to Sunday.
“We have three days before the final so we really have to savour the victory. It us an important step forward but the most important step is Sunday,” he said.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure we get to the final in top condition.”
“It is not just because we are the host nation and we have knocked out Germany that we are given extra powers. It is still very open of course.”
“It was a long while since we had beaten Germany but ultimately that did not mean anything tonight. I am delighted for the players because it was a game against a team that really made us suffer, and we suffered together.”
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Deschamps was also in full praise for the fans who produced an outstanding atmosphere at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
“This team has everything that it takes to be loved,” he said.
“It is a great emotion. I do not know at this time if it is the best moment of my career, but it definitely is a great moment. A European semi-final at home.”
“We are privileged to have generated enjoyment for the people to forget their worries.”
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