France vs Iceland Preview: Hosts looking to make last four against giant killers Iceland

Hosts France will face a tough test to reach the last four of Euro 2016, when they take on giant killers, Iceland.

Above: Antoine Griezmann celebrating his brace in France's 2-1 win over Ireland |Photo: AFP/Getty Images

The expectations of many

As the competitions hosts, many will have expected France to sail to this stage of the contest. That was a given in the group stage, topping Group A with two wins and a draw, which saw them come up against the Republic of Ireland.

They were shaken early on by Martin O'Neill's side with Robbie Brady's penalty after two minutes, however they pulled together as Antoine Griezmann bagged a brace to send them through.

Talking about their opponents, Didier Deschamps told uefa.com that his "players know Iceland are not here by chance" as they "deserve to be and have the quality."

Above: Iceland players and staff celebrating their 2-1 win over England | Photo: AFP/Getty Images

The expectations of few

The majority of the masses wouldn't have expected to the minnows of Iceland, but surprised many as they squeezed through Group F in second, with one win and two draws.

However nobody expected what would happen when they came up against England. Wayne Rooney put the Three Lions ahead, but goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson secured a historic win for the country.

Joint-coach Lars Lagerbäck said that he always says "that in football you always have a realistic chance" but said that "France are a little bit of a favourite" but wouldn't "call them a big favourite"

He continued saying that Iceland need to "go out tomorrow and believe we can beat them" and if they "have that attitude" and "cause them some problems."

Lagerbäck concluded saying that "the players will really enjoy it" and "at the same time be really focused" and "play a good game" and it is "not often you have a chance to get to a semi-final" and thinks "that's motivation enough."

Team news

Deschamps has two significant absentees in his squad, with Adil Rami and N'Golo Kante both suspended. after their bookings against Ireland, but have no other issues.

Iceland head into this contest with no injuries, or problems, but if they did pull off another historic victory, they could be a significant hole with nine players one booking away from a suspension.