Sunday 3 July 2016 23:39, UK
Didier Deschamps says France must beat the best team in the world at the moment in Germany if they are to reach the final of Euro 2016.
France earned a semi-final date with the world champions in Marseille on Thursday following a 5-2 victory over Iceland in Paris, the win coming four indifferent performances previously at Euro 2016.
The France boss was delighted with his side's show, but says Germany are the best team in the tournament.
"I am delighted for the players as they deserve this, and for these fans who have been behind us for months," he said.
"To be able to offer them something to make them smile and feel happy and have another week in it. I'm delighted about that.
"We are into the last week and I'm very happy about that. Germany are the best team. There is no doubt about that even if they had a few frights against Italy, who stopped them playing.
"But we are in the final four and we will go for it against the best team in the world."
France were 4-0 up at half-time and cruising at the Stade de France, while in the second-half the Deschamps brought off Olivier Giroud following his second goal.
He said the move was purely to protect the Arsenal man, as well as his team-mate Laurent Koscielny.
"It wasn't easy to manage everything but this evening we did all we had to in the first half. Afterwards we let up a little, and I really wanted to protect Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny.
"They were facing a possible suspension and it would have been really stupid to lose a player in such a game."
Giroud said his side would be out to avenge their 2014 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Germany in Brazil.
"It will be a completely different match, they're the world champions and often in the last four of major tournaments," said Giroud.
"It will be a great match, we have a lot of desire to get our own back for the World Cup.
"I'm very proud of what this France side is achieving and I hope we'll come out once again with the right result."
