Euro 2016 - Bastian Schweinsteiger's stupidity proved handy for Germany

I could not trace France in the first half. It was the Germans who dominated the pitch and controlled the midfield and forward. Bastian Schweinsteiger was in total command in the midfield and  using the ball intelligently from his position just in front of the back four, as well as testing Hugo Lloris with a fine strike from outside of the area. Emre Can began to impose himself on the game after a nervy start and  set up a fine chance for Thomas Muller. The Germans were in no mood to let the hosts gab any single moment to gather the momentum.

As the half-time whistle was around the corner, a stupid and unnecessary handball by Schweinsteiger cost Germany dearly. There is a school of thought, the decision was a harsh one against Bastian and it was made to favour the host nation, but I found such allegations rubbish. Bastian has to take the blame for his stupidity.

Antoine Griezmann took the penalty in a brutal manner as if he was highly motivated by the memories of Seville 1982. Germany allowed France to come back into the game and in the second half, I could not trace the Germany of the first half.  Moreover, Jerome Boateng’s muscle injury weakened the Germans more as they struggled throughout the second half to rediscover their traditional fighting spirit. Another Griezmann strike buried the game for the Germans and the hopes for another final in a major tournament.

Griezmann was the French hero last night. But one must not forget the brilliant display of Samuel Umtiti at defence and Hugo Lloris in front of the goal. 

I must say, the Germans played poorly in the second half rather than saying the French played superbly. The performance of France was average and they need to lift themselves up against Portugal who are the masters in scripting the formula of finding the way to win a match. But at the end of the day, the French are an unbeatable force at home.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar