Ahead of their quarter-final clash in Paris on Sunday, France and Iceland UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
FRANCE – Yves Thapele (E-commerce Manager, Dubai)
To be totally honest, I was expecting to be writing about a quarter-final against England at the Stade de France. But Iceland caused an incredible upset, embarrassing Roy Hodgson’s team and sending the Three Lions home. Iceland are the smallest country at Euro 2016 but they may well be the biggest in terms of team spirit.
France vs Iceland is another David vs Goliath battle, hopefully this time though the giant will prevail. We are the hosts and have many wonderful players, with huge Champions League and international experience. Iceland’s most famous player is a veteran striker, people familiar of course with former Barcelona and Chelsea man Eidur Gudjohnsen.
There are two major personnel concerns for France with centre-back Adil Rami and N’Golo Kante both suspended. Eliaquim Mangala and Samuel Umtiti are fighting for Rami’s spot, though I expect the latter to get it, while Yohan Cabaye will step in to replace Kante.
The rest of the team is ready to fight again and reach the semi-finals. I’m sure Les Bleus won’t fall into the same trap as England. We must play this game with humility and respect for the ability of our opponents. Allez Les Bleus!
PREDICTION: France 3-0 Iceland
LIKELY XI: Lloris; Sagna, Umtiti, Koscielny, Evra; Cabaye, Matuidi, Pogba; Griezmann, Giroud, Payet
FRANCE PLAYER TO WATCH: Antoine Griezmann – He took a couple of games to get going but showed against Ireland what an incredibly dangerous player he can be. The pressure is no longer there after the two goals in the quarter-final and I expect him to score again versus Iceland.
ICELAND PLAYER TO FEAR: Aron Gunnarsson – Iceland’s captain has been a real Viking for his team, leading them through some tough matches. He is physical and works very hard to tackle opponents.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: The Dome Cafe, JBR
ICELAND – Sæmundur St. Magnusson (Private Client Advisor, Dubai)
What. A. Game. The match against England was the biggest in the history of Icelandic football and it was richly deserved. The English never seemed likely to come back after Kolbeinn Sigthorsson scored what proved to be the winning goal.
The Icelandic team seems to be getting better and better with each game, growing in confidence. The players hold the ball better, press more and show more patience in possession when building attacks. The momentum is with Iceland now to follow Wales into the semi-finals and I certainly hope they can go and give their best.
The Icelandic defence will have a lot to do in this game but we have been very effective at the back so far, despite conceding a goal in every game. We have also scored in every game, though, so we will continue with this approach of sitting back and playing on the counter-attack where possible.
France will be playing at home, but we are a nation of 320,000 and have nothing to lose! We can give France a tough time for sure and I believe they will get scared when the supporters start shouting the Viking roar!
PREDICTION: France 1-1 Iceland (Iceland to win on penalties)
LIKELY ICELAND XI: Halldorsson, Skulason, Arnason, Sigurdsson, Sævarsson, Bjarnason, Gunnarsson, Sigurdsson, Gudmundsson, Bodvarsson, Sigþorsson.
ICELAND PLAYER TO WATCH: Aron Gunnarsson – I expect our defensive midfielder to be very busy again, as he has been throughout Euro 2016 so far. He has stopped many attacks from our opponents and his long throw-ins always create chances for us to score too.
FRANCE PLAYER TO FEAR: Dimitri Payet – The West Ham midfielder carried on his amazing form in England into the Euros. He has produced some magical moments, while his free-kicks and eye for a pass are just as important as his goals.
WHERE TO WATCH: ON42 at the Media One Hotel.
