France beat Germany by a 2-0 scoreline in the semi-finals of the Euro 2016. Antoine Griezmann stole the headlines with another spirited performance, taking his tournament goals tally to six.
The Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann scored two goals against a formidable German side to send the Les Bleus into the final of the UEFA Euro 2016. Germany created a number of chances, but lacked the cutting edge going forward, and failed to convert from their opportunities.
TheHardTackle grades the 22 starters in Marseille:
Germany
Manuel Neuer: 6
Was on off day for the goalkeeping connoisseur, as he conceded twice, and played a major role in setting up the second.
Joshua Kimmich: 7
Provided a lot of flair going forward, but wasn’t as sound defensively as he had been in previous matches. Was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet, as his long ranger, flew off the post.
Jerome Boateng: 6
Was sound defensively, but got injured in the 60th minute, which eventually led to his side’s downfall.
Benedikt Howedes: 6.5
Deputising for Mats Hummels, the Schalke defender did a decent job in dealing with the threat of Olivier Giroud. His incredibe last-ditch challenge on the French striker was Germany’s highlight of the evening.
Jonas Hector: 5.5
The German left-back played a number of wayward crosses into the opposition area and provided very little assistance going forward.
Emre Can: 5.5
Gave away the ball on a number of occasions, and was reckless in his tackling. Not the international tournament debut he had hoped for.
Bastian Schweinsteiger: 6.5
Was decent on the ball and played a number of forward passes. However, the unfortunate handball will see him be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Mesut Ozil: 8
Was energetic and agile from the outset, and was indeed the driving force of a rather hapless German side.
Toni Kroos: 8.5
Played a number of exquisite passes and was effective from set-pieces as well.
Julian Draxler: 5
Was an anonymous figure throughout the game as he failed to create the same impact he did in the group stages.
Thomas Muller: 5
His bad run continued with another disappointing game at Euro 2016.
France
Hugo Lloris: 8
Made a number of good saves to keep out Kimmich and Can. Surprisingly, was the Spurs keeper’s first clean sheet of the tournament.
/ AFP / Valery HACHE (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images)
Bacary Sagna: 7
Put his physical frame to good use, and aided his side in the offensive third.
Laurent Koscielny: 7.5
Was solid at the heart of Les Bleus’ defence, and saw off anything that came his way.
Samuel Umtiti: 7.5
Much like his defensive partner, he put in an incredible shift, and cleared his lines on a number of occasions.
Patrice Evra: 6
It was one of the better games for the Juventus left-back, who has enjoyed a roller-coaster Euro 2016 campaign.
Blaise Matuidi: 8.5
Tireless, efficient and pragmatic. A supreme display by the French midfield destroyer.
Paul Pogba: 6.5
Was one of his quieter games, but showcased his talent when he had the ball at his feet.
Moussa Sissoko: 7
Was energetic down the wings for France, making his case for his selection over Kinglsey Coman.
Antoine Griezmann: 9.5
Did everything right on the day. His movement, passing and shooting was incredible. He scored two more goals to take his tournament tally to 6.
/ AFP / FRANCK FIFE (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Dimitri Payet: 6.5
Was a terror for the French back line down the left hand side. Had a couple of hits at goal, but did not test Neuer to a great extent
Olivier Giroud: 5.5
Lacked match sharpness as he failed to convert twice from one-on-one situations.
