France beats Iceland, sets up Germany semi-final clash

France booked their spot in the semi-finals of Euro 2016 courtesy of a 5-2 win over Iceland in Sunday night’s last-eight clash at the Stade de France.
Iceland scored twice in the second period of action, but the damage was done in the first half, when goals from Olivier Giroud, Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann secured a 4-0 lead for the hosts.
France will now march on to the semi-finals of the competition, where world champions, Germany, are waiting.
Meanwhile, Iceland will return to their country as heroes having enjoyed a remarkable tournament.
It was France that took the lead in the 12th minute of action, however, as Blaise Matuidi released Olivier Giroud with a super pass and the Arsenal striker found the back of the net from a wide angle.
Iceland were struggling defensively though and conceded a second in the 19th minute when Antoine Griezmann delivered a dangerous corner into the box and a towering Paul Pogba header found the back of the net from close range.
Indeed, Iceland conceded a third in the 43rd minute as a spell of pressure led to Griezmann setting up Payet, who sent a low effort into the bottom corner, before Griezmann read a dummy from Giroud and raced clear to chip Halldorsson for 4-0 in the final minute of the first period.
Iceland had one back in the 56th minute, however, when Gylfi Sigurdsson delivered a terrific cross into Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and the towering striker converted past Lloris at the near post for his second goal of the competition.
France responded with a fifth goal three minutes later as Giroud towered above everyone inside the Iceland box to head a brilliant Payet free kick into the back of the net from close range.
Substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen’s introduction inspired Iceland and the minnows had their second goal in the 84th minute when Birkir Bjarnason headed a Ari Freyr Skulason cross from inside the box.
France will take on Germany in the second semi-final in Marseille on Thursday night, while the first semi-final will pit Portugal against Wales on Wednesday night in Lyon.