Euro 2016: French boss Didier Deschamps denies that he laughed at Iceland’s national anthem
Former Chelsea star was accused of laughing during a 1998 Euro qualifier in Reykjavik but maintains reason wasn't song
DIDIER DESCHAMPS has denied insulting Iceland by giggling through their national anthem.
The former World Cup-winner was accused of disrespecting the Nordic minnows during a Euro qualifier in Reykjavik back in 1998.
And Icelanders with long memories have not forgotten the behaviour of the French team all those years ago as their countries prepare to meet again at the Stade de France tonight.
Yet national boss Deschamps played down accusations of discourtesy and explained his laughter was sparked by an Icelandic opera singer mangling the words of La Marseillaise.
The ex-Chelsea ace said: “At no stage did any player want to mock Iceland.
“The person who was going to sing the French national anthem was a bit different to what we were used to, which is why some players started laughing.
“But that game brought us right back to earth because we were still on cloud nine after winning the World Cup and we ended up drawing in Iceland.
“That match is in the past but we have a lot of respect for what Iceland are achieving at the moment.
"They are not here by chance.”
Iceland’s mere presence in the quarter-finals has reinforced the message for France that they dare not take their opponents lightly this evening.
Captain Hugo Lloris said: “We didn’t need to see the Wales result against Belgium to be aware of every side in the competition.
“There have been surprises from the outset and the sides who play the best football are not necessarily still in the tournament.
“Iceland have proved that there are no longer any ‘little’ teams in Europe.
“They have had a great run and are the perfect example of team effort.
“They have a lot of heart, they are very together and very solid. They are dangerous at long throws and set-pieces and we have studied that all week.
“Iceland have a simple style of play that focuses on their strengths — and we need to show the same commitment and motivation.
“We saw what happened against England but we won’t be surprised by them. We are ready.”