Euro 2016 hosts France will have to avoid following in England's footsteps and slipping on an Icelandic banana skin if they're to make the tournament's final four on Sunday. Didier Deschamps' side haven't looked at their free-flowing best over the last few weeks and had to come from behind against the Republic of Ireland in the last round. However, they still have one of the most talented teams at the competition and, barring another huge upset, will make it through.
France vs. Iceland, Euro 2016: Time, TV schedule and team news for quarterfinals
Tournament hosts France take on Iceland in Sunday’s final Euro 2016 quarterfinal.
However, from the moment they started their qualifying campaign, this Iceland team has made a habit of the unexpected. At their major tournament debut, the tiny Scandinavian nation have put in performances of passion and intelligence and fully deserve to be in this position. With little expectation on their shoulders, they’re sure to relish the opportunity to take on the pre-tournament favorites in their own backyard. Any French complacency could well be punished.
Key player: Antoine Griezmann (France)
Attacker Antoine Griezmann showed his quality as he netted a brace in the 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland last time out. Having started the match out on the flank, coach Deschamps moved him back into his preferred midfield role for the second half. He struck up a great partnership with target man Olivier Giroud, and it’s likely that’s how Les Bleus will shape up again on Sunday. Iceland will have to work hard to keep this big man-little man combo quiet.
Key question: Have France been doing their set-piece practice?
Iceland’s achievements at this tournament have been made all the greater by the fact that they are far from a great team. Lacking the technical quality of many of the sides who have already fallen by the wayside, Iceland have relied on sporadic counter-attacks and set pieces to get them this far. In their comeback win over England in the first knockout round, they relied on a long throw to equalize, and France will have to deal with their set pieces much better if they’re to keep a clean sheet.
Match date/time: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. local
Venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France
TV: ESPN2 (U.S. - English); ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish); TSN, RDS (Canada); ITV 1 (UK); beIN Sports 1, M6 (France); SíminnSport, SkjárSport (Iceland)
Online: WatchESPN (U.S.); TSN Live Streaming (Canada); ITV Hub (UK); beIN Sports Connect (France)
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