Euro 2016 - Germany 0-2 France: 5 Talking Points

Hosts France will play Portugal in the final of Euro 2016 as Antoine Griezmann’s brace and a masterclass in defence helped France overcame Germany 2-0 in a riveting semi-final at Marseille.

Germany dominated the first half, but a Bastian Schweinsteiger handball right before the break led to a penalty which was calmly converted by an in-form Griezmann. The hosts then capitalised on some shocking defending from the Germans as Griezmann poked in from a fluffed Manuel Neuer punch to double his side’s lead.

Germany peppered the French defence the entire game, but were unable to breach it and find themselves going out in the semi-final stage for the third time in four major tournaments.

Here are the 5 talking points from a memorable encounter:

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#1 Schweinsteiger’s handball spoils Germany’s first-half domination

Schweinsteiger’s hand ball led to France being awarded the penalty on the stroke of half-time

After France controlled the opening 10 minutes, it was the Germans who took charge for the remainder of the first half. They were technically sound, moving the ball around with some slick passing and creating openings in the French defence.

Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger were industrious in midfield, Mesut Ozil was planting dangerous crosses into the box and Joshua Kimmich was making plenty of approaches towards the byline. However, the lack of quality in finishing turned out to be their Achilles Heel. Thomas Muller was simply unable to break his Euro 2016 duck and fluffed his shots yet again.

Their frustration was further compounded when skipper Schweinsteiger raised his arm to deal with a French corner and was promptly penalised for handball seconds before half-time. The resulting penalty was put away by Griezmann and all of Germany’s good work in the first half counted for nothing.