Here’s what happened on Thursday on Matchday 22 of UEFA Euro 2016 in France, in case you missed it…
THE RESULT
• Match report: Germany 0, France 2 in Marseille || Match stats
THE MAIN STORY
Griezmann among the best in the world: Is it too early to be talking about Antoine Griezmann as a candidate for the Ballon d’Or? Or should we wait to see if France beats Portugal in the final in Saint-Denis before we stump for Griezmann to win the world player of the year award? Regardless of what happens in the Stade de France on Sunday, Griezmann has already emerged as THE star of Euro 2016, and he has pushed through the glass ceiling in firmly establishing himself as one of the very best players on the planet.
Paul Pogba was touted as France’s biggest star in the lead-up to Euro 2016. Although the Juventus man has enjoyed a credible tournament, Griezmann has become France’s most important player, scoring important goals, effectively leading the line with his intelligent hold-up play, and anchoring a French attack that has absolutely sizzled at times. Griezmann has been the undoubted catalyst for France on its unbeaten march towards the final, his fleeted-footed pace, sublime touch on the ball, and deadly finishing unnerving even the stingiest of defences.
He was at it again on Thursday, bagging a brace to lift France to a 2-0 win over Germany, it’s first victory over the Germans at a major tournament since the 1958 World Cup—and even that was in the third-place match. He now has six goals at Euro 2016, double the amount of every other player, and he’s within sight of equalling countryman Michel Platini’s seminal record of nine (set in 1984) in a single European Championship tournament.
Griezemann has led the way for Les bleus with aplomb and grace, all the while carrying the weight of an expectant nation on his shoulders, and so soon after missing a crucial penalty in regulation time during the recent UEFA Champions League, a heartbreaking loss for Atletico against hated rivals Real Madrid in a shootout.
As much as Euro 2016 has been about France’s coming out party, and reminding us all that it is still a major player on the international stage, it’s also been about Griezmann announcing himself to the world. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi define this era, and they still are the two best players in the sport by some distance. But Griezmann is closing the gap on the pair of La Liga stars, and it says something about just how wonderful he’s been at Euro 2016 that he has reshaped and widened the conversation about the best player in the world.
MORE ON EURO 2016: Sportsnet has you covered with in-depth coverage of Euro 2016 in France, which runs from June 10 to July 10.
• Match schedule || Group standings || Live scoreboard || Latest news
• Profiles: All 24 teams || History of Euro || Top 10 moments in Euro history
• Feature stories || Soccer Central podcast || Team roster lists ||
GOAL OF THE DAY
In the 72nd minute, Paul Pogba bamboozled Jonas Hector with some fancy footwork before chipping a dangerous cross into the box that Manuel Neuer palmed away. Unfortunately for the German goalkeeper, it dropped straight to Antoine Griezmann who slotted it home with a left-footed shot.
SAVE OF THE DAY
In the 14th minute, some patient build-up play by the Germans culminated in Mesut Ozil hitting a shot from the edge of the penalty area destined for the lower corner. French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris flung himself at the Ozil’s attempt and managed to make a fabulous one-handed stop.
BEST MOMENT OF THE DAY
THE GAME WITHIN THE GAME
TWEET OF THE DAY
SIX PACK OF STATS
• Antoine Griezmann has now scored as many goals (six) for France at the European Championship as Thierry Henry.
• Griezmann has scored six times at Euro 2016, twice as any goals as other player at this tournament.
• France on Thursday named the same starting XI in consecutive matches at the European Championship for the first time in its history.
• Bastian Schweinsteiger has made 38 appearances at the European Championship and World Cup, more than any other player.
• Germany has now lost four of its last six semifinals at a major tournament (2006, 2010, 2012, 2016).
• France is the first host nation to reach the final of a European Championship on two occasions (also in 1984).
• Portugal has lost its last 10 international matches against France.
Stats courtesy of Opta
BURNING QUESTION
3 STARS
1) Antoine Griezmann, France: Another fabulous, all-around performance by the Frenchman who bagged a brace to take a commanding lead as the tournament’s top scorer.
2) Moussa Sissoko, France: An unheralded hero for the French who brilliantly supported Griezmann in attack.
3) Benedikt Howedes, Germany: A commanding effort by the German defender, highlighted by that fabulous recovery tackle on Olivier Giroud.
TOURNAMENT SO FAR
•Matchday 1 recap: Magnificent Payet rescues France || Typical Giroud performance
•Matchday 2 recap: England gets what it deserves || Bale already proving his worth for Wales
•Matchday 3 recap: Modric pure magic for Croatia || Germany’s Goetze not a false 9
•Matchday 4 recap: Spain’s resolve sees them through || Italy’s experience the difference
•Matchday 5 recap: Portugal blows it || The hoopla over Kiraly’s pants
•Matchday 6 recap: It can be a cruel game at times || What was Deschamps thinking?
•Matchday 7 recap: English relief after beating Wales || You gotta love Northern Ireland
•Matchday 8 recap: Spain sends a message
•Matchday 9 recap: Ronaldo cuts a distraught figure
•Matchday 10 recap: Albania has held its own || In defence of Ronaldo
•Matchday 11 recap: Slim margins could doom England || What is England? Does Hodgson know?
•Matchday 12 recap: Croatia turns tournament on its head ||
•Matchday 13 recap: Ronaldo is just trolling us || England should fear Iceland
•Matchday 14 recap: A day to completely forget in France || Shaqiri’s strike can’t save the day
•Matchday 15 recap: Irish adversity best thing for France
•Matchday 16 recap: Buffon’s ‘Zoff moment’ for Italy || So, what’s next for Italy?
•Matchday 17 recap: Not pretty, but Portugal grinds it out
•Matchday 18 recap: Wales much more than just Gareth Bale
•Matchday 19 recap: Italy leaves with heads held high
•Matchday 20 recap: Shades of 1998 World Cup for France || France simply too much for Iceland
•Matchday 21 recap: Portugal’s fight for respect continues || Portugal the new grind-masters
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