Agence France-Presse
Paris, July 2: Didier Deschamps’ France will be wary of falling victim to the same trap that ensnared England as the Euro 2016 hosts take on rank outsiders Iceland for a place in the semifinals, Sunday.
France are vying for a record-equalling third European Championship title and go into their quarterfinal as overwhelming favourites. But Iceland, playing at their first major tournament, have blown away any notion that have been in France to make up the numbers.
The North Atlantic island nation held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening group game, then sent Austria home with a last-gasp 2-1 victory before stunning England by the same scoreline in the last 16.
Defender Bacary Sagna compared Iceland’s remarkable run to that of Leicester City’s fairytale Premier League title success, with both country and city boasting almost identical populations.
France needed late goals to overcome Romania and Albania in the group stage while Antoine Griezmann rescued Les Bleus as they rallied after falling behind against the Republic of Ireland in the last round.
N’Golo Kante is also serving a one-match ban with Kingsley Coman, Moussa Sissoko and Yohan Cabaye all candidates to replace the energetic midfielder.
Having plotted Iceland’s incredible rise alongside former Sweden boss Lars Lagerback, co-coach Heimir Hallgrimsson is again keen to look at his side’s limited expectations as an advantage.
“There is a big difference in the pressure on Iceland and on France. France cannot lose the game, it would be horrible for the French nation. But the Icelandic people would be happy if we get a good performance against France,” said Hallgrimsson. “You dream big. But we are realistic, we can play the best game of our lives and still lose against France.”
