Les Blues of France have finally beaten world champions, Germany 2-0 at the Stade de Velodrome Marseille to qualify for the final of the 2016 European Championship as they chase their third EURO title on home soil, following triumphs in 1984 and 2000. It is their first victory over a German team in a major tournament in 58 years.
France got off to a good start, pinning the Germans deep in their own half with possession football as they pressed for an early goal. Antonie Griezmann could have scored in the 7th minute but Germany keeper, Manuel Neuer produced a great save. The Atletico Madrid striker had skidded into the 18 yard box , leaving defender Benedikt Howedes flat footed, but his 15 meter shot was touched into corner by Neuer.
Despite the fact that their game gradually lost steam and bite, France again missed a chance of going ahead in the 43rd minute when Griroud refused to lay the ball to a free Griezmann, who was screaming for a pass. The whole of French Nation held its breath as the 67,000 inside the stadium and those glued to their TV sets waited for a pass from Giroud. But he trundled away and defender Howedes timely blocked his ill-timed shot.
However two minutes later German captain, Bastian Schweinsteiger handled the ball in his own yard in a duell with Patrice Evra. Griezmann, who missed a penalty in the Champions league final, nevertheless stepped forward and tucked in the resultant penalty to the far right to put his country 1-0 up and increase his tournament goal haul to five, as he chases the golden boot.
Two minutes after the break, Paul Pogba set Giroud free with a pinpoint pass but again he failed to find the net when he had only Neuer to beat.
Jerome Boateng, the rock around which the German defence is built, was replaced in the 61st minuted by Shkodran Mustafi due to injury.
France capitalised on his absence and in the 72nd minute, Pogba outdanced Mustafi with one leg before he flicked the ball inside the box and Griezmann was there to tap in a parry from Neuer for 2-0 France. It was also his sixth goal of the tournament.
Germany could have pulled one back in the 73rd minute but Joshua Kimmich ‘s curling shot glazed over the upright.
France will face Christiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the final on Sunday at the Stade de France, Paris.
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