Olivier Giroud left the Stade de France pitch draped in a French flag and with a big smile, after he and his teammates had celebrated with their delighted fans until long after the final whistle.
A 5-2 drubbing of surprise team Iceland seemingly helped strengthen the bond between the players and their supporters—as les Bleus finally shook off all the shackles that had denied them a truly convincing showing in the first four games as Euro 2016 hosts.
Arsenal’s Giroud, jeered by the fans just two months ago, scored twice; Juventus midfield ace Paul Pogba finally found the net with a thumping header; Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann struck for a tournament-leading fourth time; and playmaker Dimitri Payet of West Ham was also on target.
France scored at last in the first half after some very late wins against Romania and Albania early on, and a 2-1 second-half comeback against Ireland in the last 16.
This confidence booster was badly needed as France now face world champions Germany in the semi-finals on Thursday in Marseille—aiming to stay on course towards winning a third straight big event on home ground, following Euro 1984 and the 1998 World Cup.
“We had a very good start, did what we needed to do to score. We were very clinical and on top of the game,” coach Didier Deschamps said.
Looking at the team’s celebration with the often critical French fans, Deschamps said it was the idea of the players to go into the curve to the supporters who had unfurled a huge banner before kick-off and even came up with their own version of the Icelandic “huh” chant and clap.
“There has always been a lot of support. I am happy for the players but also for the fans. The team is loved by the fans. They are not insensitive although clearly it was less stressful tonight,” Deschamps said.
Deschamps was delighted that his attackers found the net and Giroud spoke of “probably my best performance at a major tournament”.
Pogba, the centre of criticism for an alleged obscene gesture after one of the two late goals against Albania, celebrated his strike without a dap dance move. “It was a good match and a great victory,” Pogba said. “I was pretty good out there and I hope we can continue scoring many goals.”
However, the France camp is all too aware of the task ahead of them against the Germans who have won their last three knockout matches, all at the World Cup: the 1982 and 1986 semi-finals and 2014 quarters.
“They are world champions and favourites but we want to write a new chapter in French football history,” Giroud said.
The defeat spoiled the outing for Iceland fans who had hoped their national football team would provide a new upset against the Euro hosts.
“Reluctantly, Iceland’s adventure is over,” public broadcaster RUV summarised on its website following the 5-2 defeat after an amazing run at the championships.
Yet, the national team’s performance has won the hearts of the people of the North Atlantic country.
“I’m convinced that the football adventure is only beginning. You were great, guys, and give us all hope! 100% pride!” Dagur B Eggertsson, mayor of Reykjavik, wrote on Twitter.
In the capital Reykjavik, thousands of fans—many clad in blue and draped in Icelandic flags—watched the match on a huge screen at the Arnarholl venue, a hill in the centre of the city.
After the final whistle, the crowd hailed their team with a massive rendition of the so-called “volcano clap” that also graced the stands of the stadiums where Iceland played.
In Paris, Hannes Halldorsson, Iceland goalkeeper told Siminn sport: “We can hold out heads up high after the tournament even though the game didn’t go as planned.”
“The supporters have been amazing and it doesn’t matter if we are fewer,” he added.
His teammate Gylfi Sigurdsson also praised the fans for their support.
“I’m disappointed with how we began but the French were simply too good for us. We had to run a lot to get the ball and maybe we were a bit tired. At least I felt like that,” he said. “I have no words to describe the supporters, applauding us even though we were losing.”

Five takeaways from France-Iceland clash
Fast and furious
After a series of wins that needed last-minute goals, France took control of the game from the start. Olivier Giroud fired the tournament hosts ahead in the 12th minute—the first time France scored in the first half. And they never let Iceland hit back. The performance was a tough lesson for any England player watching. Paul Pogba, who headed the second goal, played fast and furious after a disappointing start to Euro 2016. With two goals in the final two minutes of the half by
Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann, France had already killed off their opponents. You cannot argue with a 5-2 win—on paper.
Iceland run out of steam
It was another brave never-say-die Iceland performance but they looked jaded, as if they have not had time to recover from their glorious 2-1 win over England. Captain Aron Gunarsson had one of the rare threatening moments with his trademark long throw-in into the France penalty area and Jon Dadi Bodvarsson volleyed the ball just over. His throw in the second half eventually led to Iceland’s goal by Kolbeinn Sigthorsson. Even when losing badly, they poured forward looking to score. Iceland have made their mark.
Dynamic attack
It’s now become difficult to choose which of the French players is most on form heading into the crunch semi-final against Germany on Thursday—and that must please French coach Didier Deschamps. Man-of-the-match Olivier Giroud scored two great goals from his only two chances, rising majestically above the Iceland defence to head his second before he was taken off. Antoine Griezmann brutally exposed the Iceland defence with his chipped goal that was the 100th scored at Euro 2016.
Defence doubts
The only worry for Didier Deschamps must be his defence. How did they fall for the Aron Gunarsson throw that led to Iceland’s first goal? Substitute Sverrir Ingason had a clear chance for a second that produced a world-class save by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. Birkir Bjarnason was completely unmarked when he headed Iceland’s second goal. “It’s not ideal even if I made some changes,” said Deschamps. “But there are so many positives to take from tonight.”
Going out with grace
With Viking-like horned helmets, big beards, and a serious sense of fun, Iceland’s fans charmed everyone they met from Marseille to Paris at Euro 2016. Before Sunday’s match, several thousand gathered at bars outside Paris nightspot Moulin Rouge for what most already suspected would be one last party in France. “We have big hearts,” said Gudny Gardars, 40 — and most neutrals agreed with her. They had plenty to cheer in the stadium with the goals from Kolbeinn Sigthorsson and Birkir Bjarnason. Iceland leave with a lot of positives and maybe some Premier League contracts for their players.