Will France meet burden of expectations vs. Iceland?

Iceland vs. France

Stade de France, Sunday, 3 p.m. ET

Iceland +820
France -230
Draw +325
Total 2.5 (Under -135)

How they got here

Iceland is the toast of the town; the Euro Cup debutante has taken the continent by storm through their first four matches. Despite having a smaller population than New Orleans, the small nation remains unbeaten, having drawn Portugal and Hungary while beating Austria and England. Once available at 300/1 to win the tournament, Cinderella seems intent on spoiling the party for traditional powers.

France hasn't made things easy on themselves this tournament, but they're into the round of eight. All six French goals have come after halftime, indicating a flair for the dramatic. To Les Bleus' credit, they've only conceded twice in four matches, neither in the run of play with both goals against coming on penalty kicks. The star power on the roster is incredible and France won't be caught overlooking the Icelandic upstarts.

Who to watch

They might be in their first rodeo, but banish the thought Iceland's advancement to this stage is being done with smoke and mirrors. Lars Lagerback has his minnows believing they can accomplish anything by playing together and outworking more talented sides.

"I think I would like it to end like it ended with Leicester City," Iceland joint coach Heimir Hallgrimsson told reporters. "They played on their strengths and we are trying to play on our strengths. There is the same team spirit in both teams. We are willing to work for each other."

Gylfi Sigurdsson of Swansea City fame is the team's leading creator, while Eidur Gudjohnsen has embraced the elder-statesman leadership role in the Iceland dressing room, having won trophies at Chelsea and Barcelona during his 23-year career. Iceland does have the dubious distinction of being the only quarterfinalist yet to keep a clean sheet this tournament.

France is expected to win; drawing an opponent like Iceland only puts more pressure on the host nation to seal passage into the semifinals. At times this tournament they've looked downright pedestrian only to be bailed out by moments of individual brilliance.

Antoine Griezmann carried the load offensively in the round of 16, scoring both goals in their 2-1 victory against Ireland. France's ability to break teams down late should be interesting to watch against an Icelandic side that prides themselves on wearing down the opposition in order to capitalize in the game's closing minutes.

What will happen

Feel-good stories in sports are great, inspiring in all of us hope that the impossible can become possible. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.

For Iceland, this feels like their exit time. France knows what's expected of them and an unceremonious exit in the quarterfinals never plays well at home. Despite all of the pressure on the host nation's shoulders, I believe they rise to the challenge, breaking a four-game tournament drought without a first half goal.

Look for them to use their class and depth to dispatch the plucky Icelanders.

The Play: France -1 (-140)