In reaching the last eight of Euro 2016, Iceland has caught the imagination of a global audience and that shouldn't be forgotten despite the comprehensive nature of this defeat. Story highlights France defeats Iceland 5-2 in quarterfinalHosts scored four goals in first halfOlivier Giroud scored twiceFrance plays Germany in semifinalStade de France, Paris (CNN) The remarkable saga of Iceland's adventures at Euro 2016 was ended in brutal fashion by hosts France in Paris Sunday. Iceland did score twice in the second period -- thanks to goals from Kolbeinn Sigthórsson and Birkir Bjarnason -- but a second from Giroud gave France a 5-2 win. The game was effectively over by the end of the first half as France entered the interval 4-0 up after goals from Oliver Giroud, Paul Pogba, Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann. "Atmosphere has been crazy in Iceland," Aron Logi Sigurpálsson, 16 & Bára Gudmundsdóttir, 18 tell @cnnsport #FRAISL pic.twitter.com/IdX6WSWoq2 — John Sinnott (@JohnSinnott) July 3, 2016Even more so given the epic journey Iceland has navigated over the last two years.

Source: CNN July 03, 2016 21:00 UTC