Griezmann ignores Platini comparisons despite impressive Euro 2016 streak

Whatever happens in Sunday’s final against Portugal, the speedy Griezmann, who scored both goals in Thursday’s historic 2-0 semi-final win over world champions Germany, has probably done enough to top the scorers’ table and is a worthy candidate for the best player of the tournament award.

For the second time in Euro history after Euro 1984 and for the third time overall after the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the hoist country France will play the Final on front of its own crowd.

MARSEILLE, France (AP) – France is heading back to soccer’s elite, and Antoine Griezmann is the man leading the way.

France coach Didier Deschamps celebrates at the final whistle.

“I’m very proud to be part of this team”, Lloris said. “It’s fabulous to be in the final”.

A weak Griezmann shot and a Dimitri Payet free-kick straight at Neuer were France’s best chances early on.

“We’re very happy”, he said.

“We’re delighted, we’re like kids here, but now we have to win the final, which we’ll start preparing for as of tomorrow”. Today we didn’t have the luck we needed; in 2010 and 2012 when we went out, the sides were better than us.

“He is the World Cup-winning coach, and he’ll definitely want to defend the title”, Grindel said on ZDF.

France took the lead from the penalty spot after Bastian Schweinsteiger handled the ball in an aerial challenge with Patrice Evra.

The striker added: “It’s been a while since we beat that team in a big match”.

He had a traumatic experience the last time he faced Germany in November, on the night of the attacks in Paris that killed 130 people across the French capital.

The 2014 World Cup winners had dominated possession and German coach Joachim Loew said he had to “calm the players down” in the dressing room at half-time because of the penalty.

Ronaldo, by contrast, had to soak up a lot of criticism after lacklustre showings by his high standards before playing a decisive role by scoring a goal and setting up another in a 2-0 semi-final win over Wales.

Germany suffered yet another huge blow when key centre-back, Jerome Boateng, limped off after an hour.

German keeper Manuel Neuer punched Paul Pogba’s cross into Griezmann’s path and he slotted the ball through his legs.

“We had our chances, regretfully we didn’t score”. We showed our team spirit and won the game despite some injuries.

German FA (DFB) president Reinhard Grindel said he was confident that Low would stay on for the 2018 World Cup qualification campaign.

French hero Antoine Griezmann finally revealed the reason behind his freakish little dance celebration and it’s not what you’d expect.