Put Germany back in the semi-finals instead of France. Not so boring, fans demand

According to many fans, it was boring, but at least in the second half of the regular season it offered a number of great chances. France knocked out Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo went goalless for the first time in a major tournament. What are the reactions of the fans?

• France are playing their fourth semi-final in their last five major tournaments
• France still haven’t scored a goal from play at the tournament
• Portugal has been waiting for a semi-final since Euro 2016, which it won in its entirety

The quarter-final between France and Portugal pitted two teams from whom more was expected in terms of pre-tournament performances. Especially from their attacks, as France have scored just three goals in the tournament and Portugal have struck just once in their last two games against Georgia and Slovenia.

And indeed, the return match offered no goals in 120 minutes plus set-up. Not that the match was downright boring on chances, especially substitute Frenchman Ousmane Dembélé had some great individual chances. But no hits.

France without a goal from the game

The French continue to go without scoring a goal from play, having played 480 minutes in the tournament without set-pieces. “France is the most boring, unluckiest and most overrated team ever,” wrote Eura influencer Giorgio Damiano in a liked comment under an Instagram post .

The Gaelic rooster was the odds-on favourite for the tournament ahead of the tournament, along with England, while the two selections had nominally the strongest roster. Thus, both are clearly the big disappointments of the tournament with regards to performances. France scored two own goals and two penalty shots.

Give us back Germany!

After a tense battle decided by Mikel Merino’s 120th minute goal, some fans are calling for a continuation of Germany instead of a boring France. “France should be eliminated from the semi-finals. Give us back Germany,” wrote supporter Samuel.

Germany’s clash with Spain was already being billed as a small final, and the action on the pitch confirmed that attribution. But France also showed some bright moments in the quarter-final, and if Dembélé starts in the starting line-up, Spain’s defence has a lot to look forward to.

Source: Instagram