An Antoine Griezmann double inspired France to a 2-0 semi-final win over Germany at the Stade Velodrome early this morning.
A nerve-racking beginning for the hosts saw Die Mannschaft come out with venom, trying to make up for a depleted squad by setting the early tone of the match. The best chances for Joachim Loew’s side seemed to come within the opening 20 minutes, yet a momentary lapse in focus from veteran Bastian Schweinsteiger threw the plans into disarray after appearing to handle the ball inside the area.
Griezmann’s thunderous penalty put Les Bleus ahead at the break and took much of the wind from Germany’s sails, with the absence of key figures at both ends more evident as the time went on.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
A second for the Atletico striker in the 72nd minute broke the hearts of those in white, while booking the host nation their spot on the final stage.
Germany
Manuel Neuer – 4.5: Looked to be having a comfortable day until Griezmann was awarded the spot-kick. Howler contributed to the Frenchman’s second to deny his side a way back into the contest.
Joshua Kimmich – 6.5: Embraced him opportunity to start on the big stage. Dependable at the back, but was best when joining the attack and moving up the pitch.
Jerome Boateng – 5.5: Looked determined to lead the defence in the absence of Mats Hummels. Had to leave the field injured soon before Griezmann’s second, however.
Benedikt Howedes – 6: Showed composure at the back in the early stages, but the pressure grew on the visiting back-line as the game wore on. Reliable in possession.
Jonas Hector – 6.5: Controlled the wing against the daunting likes of Paul Pogba, winning all attempted tackles and also creating two chances to score.
Emre Can – 5.5: Also started the contest well but a lack of tournament minutes may have hurt his performance more than anything, losing confidence quickly after France took the lead.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 5: Sent a half-volley sailing over the bar in the first-half and never had much attacking influence on the game, lacking the pace to fully protect the backline from the holding position and giving away the penalty.
Mesut Ozil – 6: Largely pushed into the centre of the pitch by the French defence, negating much of his ability to create chances for teammates. Only had one decent view on goal himself as well.
Toni Kroos – 7: Deployed higher up the pitch here and was the focal point for Germany, testing Hugo Lloris early and sending a total of eight crosses into the box over the match.
Julian Draxler – 5.5: Struggled to get past Pogba and into the dangerous areas, was good when going for a tackle himself though.
Thomas Muller – 5: Would have wanted to make the most of his opportunity up front, but was only able to test Lloris early on and at the death.
Substitutes
Shkodran Mustafi – 5: Did not look comfortable when replacing Boateng and the game was put to rest soon after.
Mario Gotze – 5.5: Perhaps could have done more with a close-range opportunity in the final moments, but never had a big chance to influence the result.
Leroy Sane – N/A: Played the last 10 minutes.
France
Hugo Lloris – 7: Kept on his toes particularly for the first quarter of the match, yet had it easier in the second half as France took control.
Patrice Evra – 7: An imposing performance from the 35-year-old, recording six clearances and five blocks as the German momentum was continually shutdown.
Samuel Umtiti – 7: Did well to keep Muller quiet after the initial spell of danger from the opposition. Imperious in possession.
Umtiti in Euro2016:
– never dribbled past
– 4 interceptions
– 1 foul
– 16 clearances
– 2 blocks
– 0 possession loss
– 92/94 accurate passes— Erdi (@barcanumbers) July 7, 2016
Laurent Koscielny – 7.5: Commanded the 18-yard box and kept a high number of shots from reaching Lloris with a block or key clearance.
Bacary Sagna – 6.5: Was helped on the flank defensively somewhat by Pogba and Moussa Sissoko, but was supreme when in the air on his own.
Blaise Matuidi – 6: Did his part as Les Bleus took control.
Paul Pogba – 6.5: Struggled to get involved early, but was sound defensively whilst maintaining a threat going forward.
Dimitri Payet – 6: A clear focus of the German defence – was limited to a few touches along the halfway line before being substituted with on 70 minutes.
Antoine Griezmann – 8.5: Took both of his chances to score with ice-cold skill, rocketing the ball past Neuer from the spot and then capitalising on the goalkeeper’s error.
Moussa Sissoko – 6.5: Barely put a foot wrong on the wing and sent in some decent crosses.
Olivier Giroud – 6.5: Operated well as a source for chances on goal in the final-third, yet it is clear who France’s best striker is.
Substitutes
N’Golo Kante – 5.5: There was not too much asked of the Leicester hero during his time on the field.
Andre-Pierre Gignac – 5.5: Put a shot just wide of the post in the final minutes.
Yohan Cabaye – N/A: Replaced Griezmann for the final moments.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
