Football
PA Sport 8y

Antoine Griezmann thriving for France at Euro 2016 - Didier Deschamps

France coach Didier Deschamps believes he is reaping the benefits of his decision to "manage" Antoine Griezmann as Euro 2016 enters the home stretch.

Deschamps surprisingly left the Atletico Madrid striker, as well as Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, out of Les Bleus' second Group A game against Albania after a lacklustre showing against Romania in the tournament opener.

Griezmann stepped off the bench in that game to score the first of two late goals for France, his first of four in the tournament thus far as he goes from strength to strength to lead the Golden Boot standings ahead of the semifinals.

France face Germany after a 5-2 win over Iceland -- which saw Griezmann score a goal and make two assists, while Olivier Giroud scored twice and Pogba and Dimitri Payet were also on target.

Deschamps told L'Equipe: "If [Griezmann] remains the top scorer, it will be a good sign for us.

"He had a difficult start to the competition after the end of his season, he was a bit tired. I tried to manage him in the first three games.

"Now, he is fine. He is no longer fatigued. He is in his groove.

"He is a very effective player. Technically, he does some good things. We will need him in the semifinal."

Deschamps is considering whether to again tailor his lineup to the opposition -- he matched up Iceland's 4-4-2 formation, using Moussa Sissoko in a wide midfield role, much as Germany coach Joachim Low opted to emulate Italy's back three for their quarterfinal.

"I will take the time to reflect on it," Deschamps said. "I made this choice because of the opponent.

"I am not the only one to change. Joachim Low changed against Italy, moving to a system with three central defenders, which worked well.

"The Germany team have a good technical quality, right from the goalkeeper. In general, it is they who have possession of the ball.

"We must adapt. Not just to their strengths, but to what we are capable of doing.

"Up to now, apart from Switzerland, we have played against opponents who were there to defend. The more we can force Germany to defend, the better."

Germany eliminated France in the World Cup quarterfinal two years ago before going on to win the tournament in Brazil.

But France captain Hugo Lloris feels neither that match nor those which have gone before in the current tournament will have a bearing on Thursday's encounter in Marseille.

"Every match has its story," he said. "It will be a different match altogether against Germany.

"They have a bit more experience than us and are used to these matches.

"It will be at the Velodrome, at home, in what could be a heated atmosphere. It's magnificent, we must make the most of this moment.

"It is not over, we want to continue this adventure."

^ Back to Top ^