The quarter-finals stage of Euro 2016 conclude this evening as France and Iceland go head-to-head in the Stade de France.
After falling behind to early spot-kicks last time out, both sides chalked up 2-1 comeback wins over Republic of Ireland and England rrspectively, though it’s fair to say that Les Bleus are firm favourites for the 8pm clash.
Bearing in mind that Iceland’s average of 28.9% possession is less than any team in the tournament, we can expect France to dominate proceedings tonight as their opponents sit back and soak up the pressure.
Didier Deschamps’ troops have registered more than double the number of attempts on goal (75 to 31) as their opponents, though the hosts have managed just 22 shots on target to the Scandinavians’ 14. Indeed, Iceland have matched France’s six goals for the tournament so far thanks to an eye-catching 19.4% conversion rate – the highest of any side in Euro 2016.
At the back, the numbers again lean towards the French. Iceland have conceded an effort every 4.8 minutes – that’s quicker than any other team – and have allowed their opponents 79 attempts on goal to France’s 30.
Despite conceding just four times, then, the underdogs face a tough task to upset the form book yet again and clinch a place in Thursday’s semi-final against Joachim Low’s World Champions.
