History favours France but Portugal can make history

The final of Euro 2016 comes up on Sunday at the Stade de France with France, as hosts, contesting the final against an unfancied Portugal side.

History favours the home team – having won two of their three football tournaments on home soil – the Euros in 1984 and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

They have won other trophies and titles – the 2000 Euros and the Olympic gold medal in the football event of the 1984 Olympic Games.

But most interesting of the history that backs Les Bleus is the fact that they have won the Euros in 16-year gaps; 1984 – 2000 – 2016?

France get final wish after Antoine Griezmann’s double sinks Germany (France 2: Germany 0)

France’s players an fans celebrate after Antoine Griezmann scored the second goal of their semi-final against Germany and France at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. Photograph: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images

The din that greeted the final whistle served as an exorcism. The French need never shudder again at the memory of traumas suffered at the hands of these opponents in Seville and Guadalajara three decades ago, or even the deflation endured in the steamy heat of the Maracanã at the last World Cup. They have wrested themselves free of a hold the Germans have had on them in competitive fixtures stretching back over half a century and in the process, removed the world champions from the tournament.

It was Antoine Griezmann, entirely appropriately, who skipped in delight at the head of the line of triumphant France players towards the home support on the Virage Sud at the final whistle, the victors leading the crowd in their version of an Icelandic “Huuh” before breaking away in frenzied celebration of their own. Those crammed into the stand, where the Russians had infamously charged English supporters almost a month ago, bounced along in sheer delight, waving their tricolores and drowning out the music blared out of the PA system with a chorus of La Marseillaise. This was an outpouring of joy.

France beat Iceland 5-2 to reach Euro 2016 semi final

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud scored twice while Antonine Griezmann, Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet also got their name on the scoresheet as France beat Iceland 5-2 at St-Denis on Sunday evening to secure their passage to the semifinals of Euro 2016.

Didier Deschamps made two changes to the side that won 2-1 against Ireland in their last match: Samuel Umtiti made his international debut in place of suspended Adil Rami, while N’Golo Kante, also suspended, is replaced by Moussa Sissoko.

Dimitri Payet drilled a low 20-yard shot that goalkeeper Halldorsson spilt out in front of him, but grabbed the loose ball in time.

France took an early lead through Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud. Matuidi played a lovely pass over the top of the defence to Giroud, who down the inside left channel scored with an excellent first-time shot.

EURO 2016 Talking Points: Who will win the Golden Boot

The final last 16 tie of Euro 2016 ended on Monday evening with England beaten 2-1 by underdogs Iceland in Nice. It was a horrific night for Roy Hodgson and his men with not only a premature elimination to deal with, but also one of the most embarrassing defeats in the history of the English national team.

The eight last 16 ties threw up plenty of talking points, not least England’s failure to perform on the big stage once more. Only eight teams remain and its all to play for in France: