Dugout Discussion
3 July 2016 1631 comments
Paul Paul
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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.

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  1. VS10_
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Game over

  2. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Griezmann (c) to Pogba!! Lovely 😎

    1. Backup Dancer
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Same 😀

  3. Syd.
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Pogba goal

    Greaseman assist

  4. JayC
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    PP!!!!!

  5. Woeisme
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Just went up 40 million

    1. Ziro
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      You wot!!?

      1. Woeisme
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Pogbas transfer fee!

    2. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Anybody could score against Iceland 🙂

      1. Woeisme
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Tell it to Harry

      2. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Even England scored against them.

        1. Syd.
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          That was a jammy penalty

      3. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Even Rooney scored against them.

  6. tm245
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Pogba captainers, unite!

  7. Ziro
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Captain success at last

  8. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I prayed for Pogba 🙂

    Griezmann assist wasn't very nice though 😆

    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Long long night for Iceland

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Nights last 24 hours in Iceland

  9. Zasa
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    That jump from Pogba was beautiful

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Knocked the defender to next week.

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          At least he went straight into the recovery position.

          1. Zasa
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            🙂

  10. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Iceland defender got the last touch before it went over the line so it might yet be a Pogba assist

    1. @ocprodigy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      It was on target anyway

        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        🎣

        1. Jazz!
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          😆

        2. Optimus.
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Lol i had to put my nose right up the the screen to make that out 😆

        3. Zasa
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          What witchcraft is this?

            1. Zasa
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              Reported for 1337 hackzorz

        4. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          😀

      1. Optimus.
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Was it though? It's debatable

  11. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Was very close to captain PP, but then went with Payet.. Let's do something Dimitri 😀

    5 French players looks good so far!

  12. Planet Jo
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Why have France 'learned' from our problems with the long throw? (Glenn Hoddle).

    Maybe they're just better organised defensively?

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      It's the 9th time they have mentioned England

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      They've learned not to be crap.

  13. Jazz!
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Lol

  14. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    If Matuidi is really allowed to leave PSG I'd love for United to be in for him.

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      He's brilliant. I wouldn't be surprised if United move for Neves though - Porto can't afford to keep him. And his agent is Mendes.

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      He'd be a beautiful addition. 🙂

  15. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I want to punch Glenn Hoddle in the face.

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Get to the back of the queue please

    2. Total Foot 5
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      what did he say? he is one of the way out there candidates on the bookies to replace Woy

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Everything he says annoys me, but most of all he goes on and on and on about zonal marking.

        I think he might actually be the most stupid person in England. Would put Wolly and his brolly to shame in terms of ineptitude if he were appointed.

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      No way. The man is a legend.

  16. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Payet looks like he's put on a few pounds

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Lowered his centre of gravity

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I was actually thinking this lol

    3. KingNidge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Looked like this all season.. i like his chubby cheeks

      1. Zasa
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Now these are some chubby cheeks, https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmdsvgdW8AAzwaR.jpg

        1. KingNidge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Hazard would put those to shame

          1. Zasa
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            Debatable, is Hazard's derrière trending on twitter? Didn't think so m8

    4. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Pie ate

      What do you expect

  17. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone go Lloris C? for that potential 12 pter + any saves

    went payet, thot the CS was quite realistic

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah.

  18. Woeisme
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Who the F00k wears 1-11 for France?

  19. VS10_
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Payet C goal!

    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Greaseman assists Payet. French owners rocking.

  20. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Griezmann (c) to Payet 😀

  21. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Payet C :....unite 🙂

  22. Lord Mayor's Croupier
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hazard twisters breathe a sigh of relief 🙂

  23. Tommytour
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Needed that 🙂

    1. Tommytour
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Didn't need that 🙁

  24. AlCapwnUK
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Payet looks so happy. Good for him

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Would be a bit weird if he wasn't happy.

  25. Thomas M.
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Griezmann (c) with second assist, lovely. Payet goal is a bonus

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      And now a goal.

  26. tm245
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    What a midfield.

    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Greaseman 4

  27. KingNidge
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    go on skipper