Olivier Giroud impressed as France blew Iceland away.
France’s Olivier Giroud celebrates scoring their first goal
Olivier Giroud set France on their way to a comprehensive victory over Iceland at Euro 2016.
Les Bleus netted four first half goals, a tournament record, as they progressed to set up a semi-final with Germany.
France’s Dimitri Payet celebrates with Olivier Giroud
Giroud entered the tournament being booed by supporters, who had wanted controversial forward Karim Benzema selected in the squad instead.
He quelled critics by scoring in the opening game, and manager Didier Deschamps has stuck by him.
Giroud netted another in the second half, and also provided an assist in the victory over Iceland, and was effective in linking up with his more dynamic teammates.
Former opponent Rio Ferdinand hailed his performance, via Twitter, commenting that he was playing his role ‘just right’.
Tougher tests will come for Giroud, particularly up against the Germans in the semi-final, but he has certainly done enough to secure himself a starting spot, up against club pal Mesut Ozil.
France’s Olivier Giroud
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