Better late than never and the perfect time as well. With a possible semi-final against Germany awaiting, France had to give themselves confidence of beating the world champions by having a big performance; something they had yet to do at these Euros.
Iceland were a tricky team to play, as you could see an organised and dedicated unit beating a confused and awkward France. But the French rose to the challenge and gave their most commanding display and finally showed me for the first time, they could actually win this thing on their home soil. Something I did not think I'd have toe ever say.
The first thing that struck me was the balance in the team. With Kante being suspended, Pogba and Matuidi looked more at ease and knew what they were doing and what their role was. Not getting in each other's way and confusion, but a clear and smooth midfield chemistry that Iceland found hard to deal with. That was the foundation from which France were able to control the game and have Iceland on a chokehold, gradually putting the squeeze on them.
The balanced midfield that actually worked for the first time, meant that the attack were not under pressure, and could work well with the midfield. The result was great, silky French football that cut open the Viking defences and could have brought about more G's than the result presented to us.
When you have Giroud scoring two goals, you know it's a great day.
It all went right for France with everyone having a really good game, something that had not happened all tournament. In previous games, you had people questioning how good Pogba was, and Griezmann getting dropped for the Albania game and the same criticisms hurled at Giroud and questions about Evra's age and if he could cope.
All those fears were put to rest...for now.
There were still a few issues in defence, but they looked far more assured than they were against Ireland. Less mistakes, and a better reading of the game without any panic or last ditch tackles. These are the kinds of things that breed confidence throughout the team and that belief that you can match up with anyone and beat them. It was so important that the defence stood tall and were able to play as an organised unit, which they did for most parts against Iceland.
For so long I believed whoever won the Germany-Italy game would be heavy favorites for the trophy, but now I'm going to have to reassess that. After seeing how France disposed of a very organised Icelandic team, I'm beginning to believe Germany won't have it so easy and France could potentially defeat them. I saw something in France tonight that has given me renewed hope of what they can achieve next Thursday.
Payet, Griezmann, Pogba, Coman, Martial; no other team have these kind of players that can cut you up. If they have a really good game but most importantly, can work well with one another as they did to devastating effect against Iceland, then I see no reason why they can't topple a German team missing some very important players.
France have finally arrived...and in good time. HH
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