The last of the UEFA Euro 2016 quarter-finals will see hosts France take on spirited Iceland at the Stade de France in Paris. Few encounters in recent memory, especially in the latter stages of a tournament, have elicited such David vs Goliath comparisons. All the pressure will be on the hosts France, as they will look to continue their quest towards another European Championship crown in front of their fans. Iceland, who have already exceeded expectations will look to make their moment in the spotlight last a bit longer.
The French have been inconsistent, even within the span of 90 minutes, for the most part of tournament. Looking very slick and polished at times, and disjointed and incoherent in patches, they have obviously not found their rhythm thus far. A significantly weakened defence with many regulars missing has not helped their cause. Iceland have been the surprise package of Euro 2016. Having finished runners-up in their group, they pulled off the shock of Euro 2016 by eliminating England in the round of 16. Their confidence is sky high and with no pressure on them, they will look to enjoy themselves out there.
Here we take a look at 5 players who will make a difference in tonight’s encounter:
#1 Paul Pogba
Pogba was slated to be France’s game changer at the start of Euro 2016. Having performed in only fits and starts, questions have been asked about Pogba’s ability to deliver on the biggest of stages. One thing is for sure, the Paul Pogba who runs rampant in Serie A for Juventus has not turned up so far in the tournament. He has looked nervous and error-prone, and far cry from his usual calm demeanour. Much of the confident swagger also seems to have deserted him till now.
But Pogba makes it to this list simply due to his game-changing abilities. The epitome of the athletic box-to-box midfielder of the modern game, Pogba is a physical specimen to behold. Pace, strength and immense stamina make him one of the best athletes on the football field nowadays. He has a commanding presence at his best, something France is desperately lacking in midfield for now. His ability to provide sumptuous deliveries into the box for strikers, as well as the ability to finish off such passes himself, make him a significant threat going forward. Whether Pogba can grab the opportunity and seize his moment tonight remains to be seen.
#2 Antoine Griezmann
Antoine Griezmann had a sedate start to Euro 2016 and was not particularly impressive in their opening group stage encounters. He was a shadow of his clinical self in their opening match against Romania and was guilty of fluffing his lines on several occasions. It seemed that France with their patient passing and probing were a tactical misfit for Griezmann who in recent times, has shone in Atletico Madrid’s explosive counter-attacking system.
However, cometh the hour, cometh the man, as Griezmann proved against the Republic of Ireland in the round of 16 clash. Ireland had taken the lead through Robbie Brady and France were under intense pressure. Looking devoid of ideas on how to break down a resolute Irish defence, Griezmann stepped up to the plate and scored twice in the space of 5 minutes to hand Les Blues the impetus and advantage. France did not let that slip and made it through to the quarters, where they will once again be heavily reliant on the Atletico starlet to provide the fireworks up front.
#3 Dimitri Payet
The only player in the French ranks who can hold his head up and proclaim to have performed on a consistent level in all games for France is Dimitri Payet. The West Ham United playmaker has hauled Didier Deschamps’ side out of their creative deadlocks in Euro 2016 on a number of occasions. Reputed for his talent, the only reason Payet had not graced the world stage before Euro 2016 is because of his mercurial nature and volatile temperament. Blessed with immense skill, vision, and an equally good shot from both feet, consistency has been his bane and the reason many of Europe’s elite clubs have chosen not to gamble on his talent prior to the ongoing tournament.
However, Euro 2016 has been a re-awakening of sorts for Payet. The mercurial winger has finally discovered the key to consistency. After a stunning goal against Romania to clinch all the points for France in their opening match in group A, Payet followed it up with a crucial winner against Albania to ensure his side’s qualification to the next round. French fans will be hoping for another good display from their playmaker tonight.
#4 Gylfi Sigurdsson
For a country with a population of around 330,000, instantly recognisable faces in the world of football are hard to come by. Thanks to the global appeal of the English Premier League, however, Gylfi Sigurdsson is a well-known entity to fans of English Premier League courtesy of his exploits with Tottenham Hotspur and Swansea City. Iceland’s version of Xavi Hernandez – Sigurdsson – has shone so far in the tournament, like all of his teammates with hardworking yet simple display in the heart of the Iceland midfield.
A technically gifted player, Sigurdsson’s vision and ability to pick out passes with deadly accuracy ensured his talent was recognised at a very young age. Playing in the lower leagues of England until 2010, his displays for Reading attracted the attention of TSG Hoffenheim who took him to the Bundesliga where he caught the eye of the world.
His displays there earned him a move to the Premier League with Spurs in 2012. However, his inability to fit into Spurs’ then prevalent tactical setup coupled with an overcrowded midfield saw him shipped off to Swansea in 2014. He has enjoyed a stellar career in the Premier League with the Welsh outfit since then. Having made his international debut in 2010, Sigurdsson has made 43 appearances and scored 14 goals for his country. Iceland fans will be hoping he can come up with a match-winning performance tonight.
#5 Aron Gunnarsson
The Iceland captain’s tigerish displays in the heart of the midfield during Euro 2016 have earned him numerous accolades and some fans have wondered why he has been overlooked by Europe’s elite clubs till now. A feisty and combative midfielder, Gunnarsson is the true successor to Gennaro Gattuso on the football pitch.
The 27-year-old started his career in the Dutch junior leagues with AZ Alkmaar. A move to the lower leagues in England followed, with a spell in Coventry City and then to Cardiff, where he has been since 2011. Having made his debut for Iceland in 2008, Gunnarsson has gone on to win 63 caps for the national side and has scored 2 goals.
Gunnarsson brings probably the most potent and least orthodox threat to the Iceland side – extremely potent throwing arms. His long throws, a la Rory Delap of yore, has been the source of much confusion in the opposition ranks in Euro 2016. Indeed it was from his throw in that Iceland equalised against England in their round of 16 encounter. Iceland fans will be hoping for a similarly bullish performance from their captain against the hosts tonight.
