Against the general run of play and most people’s predictions, France beat Germany to progress to the Euro final where they’ll face Portugal.
France started strong but within minutes, Germany became hugely dominant. They had the best of the chances, with Mesut Ozil constantly trying to get through France’s back four.
Against the general run of play, Olivier Giroud had a good chance when he was put through one-on-one against Neuer but he failed to pull the trigger quick enough and got expertly tackled.
At the end of the first half, France were given a penalty thanks to a Germany hand-ball, which Griezmann slotted home putting his country 1-0 up.
https://twitter.com/DailyCannon/status/751138826433728513
https://twitter.com/GoonerManN5/status/751132130395258880
In the second half, despite Germany still being the stronger team, they found it hard to truly threaten, even though Laurent Koscielny wasn’t quite as solid as he’s been so far this tournament. As time ticked on, the Germans got increasingly edgy.
France’s midfield was becoming increasingly stretched as Ozil moved more centrally and continued to turn the screw.
Despite this, during a rare push forward, Pogba crossed the ball into the box and Neuer punched it away. Unfortunately for the Germany goalkeeper, it fell to Griezmann, who wasn’t going to miss and put the hosts 2-0 up.
https://twitter.com/GFFN/status/751152388648607745
Giroud was subbed off for Gignac in the 78th minute.
By the end, Germany were visibly dejected; the second France goal was the nail in the coffin and when they couldn’t find a way through, they looked heartbroken.
France face Portugal in the final on Sunday.