July 4 – Defending world champions Germany’s preparations for the heavyweight Euro 2016 semifinal clash with France on Thursday have been seriously disrupted by injury and suspension.
Mario Gomez, the only recognised striker in the squad who scored twice in four games after being brought into the side by coach Joachim Loew following the team’s less than convincing start to the tournament, has been ruled out of the rest of the finals with a hamstring injury.
Midfielders Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger are both extremely doubtful because of thigh muscle and knee problems respectively while central defender Mats Hummels is suspended.
“It is very bitter to lose important players, especially at this crucial stage,” said Loew. “I am especially sorry for Mario. He has produced strong performances in the Euros and helped the team a lot, not only with his goals.”
After finally ending the Iceland fairytale to take their anticipated place in the last four, France will be seeking revenge for their World Cup quarter-final defeat by Germany two years ago. But midfielder Dmitri Payet warned that the 5-2 win over Iceland will mean nothing if Les Blues fail in Marseille. “This was our best performance in the Euros. But playing against Germany will be different. Just because they have some injuries does not necessarily mean that they will be weakened in any way.”
Meanwhile, as every one of his players prepared to return home to a hero’s welcome, joint Iceland coach Lars Lagerback said they switched off in the first half against France, when they conceded four goals, but that he will look back with pride at the squad’s remarkable achievement.
“In the first half we didn’t handle it well mentally,” Lagerback said. ” We weren’t using our brains, we didn’t play our normal way. Part of it is that France were very good but we weren’t sharp enough in our decision-making. We made some silly mistakes, and we didn’t do well as a team. “They showed a bit of the real Icelandic attitude in the second half.”
Lagerback is now handing over completely to current partner Heimir Hallgrímsson after four-and-a-half years. “It’s been a fantastic tournament so it’s a big thank you to everyone,” said the former Sweden coach. “It’s been a fantastic journey for me. I’ve enjoyed — maybe not the first 45 minutes today — but all my time in Iceland and it’s been a privilege to be involved. If you look at the whole tournament, and to reach the quarter-finals, it’s been fantastic.”
Captain Aron Gunnarson said the team had been determined to not go out on the back of a humiliation. “We decided we couldn’t leave the competition like that and I think we saved face. We’re disappointed but still incredibly proud. It’s been such an amazing experience. It’s been a lot of hard of work and the supporters have been fantastic,” he said.
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