Olivier Giroud, take a bow. The Frenchman, a well as Laurent Koscielny, was crucial in his country’s 5-2 quarter-final Euro win over Iceland, bagging two goals and an assist.
Although Iceland had the first shot of the game and did manage to trouble the French defence, France demonstrated very quickly who the dominant team were. Their passing in the final third was slick and decisive. They scored in the 13th minute via none other than Olivier Giroud.
1 – Olivier Giroud's goal was the first that #FRA have scored in the first half at #Euro2016. Opener.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 3, 2016
GIROUDDDD. https://t.co/6Xa6Rx7ZzH
— Pádraig 〽️ (@VintageOzil) July 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/ArsenalsRelated/status/749683960444248064
Not long after, Paul Pogba doubled France’s lead.
Despite being behind by two goals, they appeared surprisingly comfortable and, at points, did challenge themselves.
Giroud has now scored 19 goals for #FRA, taking him above Raymond Kopa and just one short of Eric Cantona. #afc pic.twitter.com/Nl9P6IYdDB
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) July 3, 2016
Just before half-time, West Ham’s Dimitri Payet made it 3-0 and it was looking worse and worse for Iceland. Seconds later, Antoine Griezmann made it four thanks to an assist from Oli.
https://twitter.com/Onefootball/status/749692000581058560
In the second half, despite Iceland coming back with a consolation goal, Giroud continued to shine with a second.
2 – Olivier Giroud scored two goals from just two shots against #ISL. Hunter. pic.twitter.com/aofsepjmAV
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) July 3, 2016
FIVE!!! No stopping #FRA as Giroud bags second with header from Payet free-kick #FRAISL #EURO2016 https://t.co/CNBIQka9Kr
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 3, 2016
While Giroud was fantastic up front, Laurent Koscielny was solid as ever at the back; amazing in the air and pass accuracy, as usual, on point.
Laurent Koscielny completed 96% of his passes vs. #ISL pic.twitter.com/7yMwLvyvMg
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 3, 2016
It wasn’t over though, and Iceland scored another, bringing the scoreline to an unpredictable 5-2.
Iceland have been courageous but France progress to the semi-final against Germany.