The French cruised to a 4-0 lead at half time thanks to stand out displays from Giroud, Griezmann and of course that man Payet. However the cruise ended there as Iceland admirably kept fighting and took advantage of questionable French defending from crosses either side of a Giroud header to end the game 5-2. Whilst Deschamps will be satisfied with a convincing offensive performance and hardworking mentality, defensive concerns are sure to be addressed before a highly anticipated match up with Germany.
Hugo Lloris : 8
The France skipper had very little to do despite the absence of second choice centre back Rami in central defence. The Tottenham keeper did well to tip a powerful Iceland header over the bar but could not be faulted for either goal.
Patrice Evra : 6
Similarly to Lloris the left back had little to do and was keen to get forward and support Sissoko on numerous occasions. He was fortunate not to gift Iceland a penalty for handball after he mis-controlled in his own box. He was also beaten in the air for Iceland's second however is unlikely to Evra be replaced in the starting line-up this tournament.
Laurent Koscielny : 8
The Arsenal man, linked with a move to Bayern Munich, was rarely threatened by Iceland. He will be disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet but would have felt incredibly comfortable excluding some wicked throw ins from Gunarsson.
Samuel Umtiti : 7
A solid national debut for the Barcalona bound central defender. Perhaps he could have done more to get in front of the Icelandic attacker for the first goal but otherwise was not tested anywhere near enough to suggest he should start ahead of Rami against the World Champions.
Bacary Sagna : 6
An unnoticeable but highly competent display for the Manchester City full back
Paul Pogba : 8
The Juventus starlet who is linked with a move to England was eager to impress his critics this evening. Pogba was hungry for the ball and was determined to win it back at every opportunity. He showed his quality with some dazzling switches from deep. Furthermore he got himself on the score sheet with a towering header to help maintain France's commanding tempo. Pogba found himself in a much deeper role than usual which limited his trickery and surging runs, all the same his more simple, quick-playing approach contributed to a highly professional performance.
Blaise Matuidi : 7
Provided a perfectly weighted through ball to allow Giroud to open the scoring. The PSG midfielder put in a tenacious, hard working display to prevent the Icelandic gem, Gylfi Sigurdsson, from having a large influence on the game.
Dimitri Payet : 8
The West Ham creative midfielder is having the perfect season for club and country. Another goal and assist to add to his growing tally this tournament. Like a sniper Payet provides immense precison with the ball at his feet, whether it be for his goal into the bottom corner of the net or the looping free kick for France's 5th. Payet offered roaming movement for the French, something the likes of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane failed to offer in England's pitiful loss to Iceland. Deschamps will be hoping that his player of the tournament will give Germany's Hector a torrid night with his mesmerising step overs and majestic control when France meet Germany on Thursday.
Antoine Griezmann : 9
A marvellous performance from the Atletico Madrid attacker who began the game just behind target man Giroud. A well whipped corner allowed Pogba to head home followed by a simple lay off to the in-form Payet to make it 3. However Griezmann is determined to claim the golden boot, after an inventive flick from Giroud the 25 year old cruised past the Icelandic defence and pulled off a sublime chip to put the result beyond doubt. Unfortunate not to add another to his tally in the later stages of the game.
Moussa Sissoko : 6
Failed to have too large an impact on the game despite facing a mediocre Icelandic defence. Excluding some promising runs Sissoko was not an effective outlet for the French and is sure to be replaced by Kante for Thursday's clash vs Germany.
Oliver Giroud : 9
Giroud's best display for some time as he proved to be clinical in front of goal when offered the chance, in both the air and on the ground. Giroud presented himself as more than just a target man, an exquisite flick to Griezmann showed the striker's true quality. Two goals and an assist was the dream result for the Arsenal man who had been subject to recent criticism from club and country.
Substitutions :
Eliaquim Mangala (Koscielny) : 6
Could do little to prevent the Icelandic second.
Andre Pierre Gignac (Giroud) : 6 :
A poor man's Giroud.
Kingsley Coman (Payet) :
Was not on long enough to credit a rating - Coman he did nothing
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