France not practising penalties, says Sagna

PARIS (AP) -- For a side that has needed late goals to win matches at the European Championship, it would seem a safe bet that France's players are practising penalty shootouts ahead of their quarterfinal against Iceland tomorrow.

But it would be a losing bet.

"We haven't practised penalties," France right back Bacary Sagna said. "Because we're counting on making the difference earlier."

Earlier than the 89th winner against Romania, perhaps? Or would that be earlier than the 90th-minute breakthrough goal against Albania? How about failing to score against Switzerland, then?

More wasteful finishing against Iceland could send the game into extra time -- and then the dreaded penalties.

Poland, who lost on penalty kicks to Portugal in Thursday's quarterfinal, had back-to-back shootouts. Like the Champions League final in May between Madrid rivals Real and Atletico, big games often prompt a dramatic finale from the spot, as France knows only too well.

France lost the 2006 World Cup final against Italy in a shootout, with then coach Raymond Domenech revealing they had not practiced penalties. In 1982, West Germany beat Les Bleus in a shootout at the World Cup semifinals.

France led in both of those games, yet lost, and also lost a shootout to the Czech Republic in the semifinals at Euro '96.

But despite the painful memories, France's confidence is high at this tournament.

"We have the ability to go all the way and I'm only thinking about the final," Sagna said yesterday. "I can't see myself going on holiday so early, nor can I see myself letting the fans down ... We believe in ourselves."

Still, he agrees with teammate Patrice Evra that France has to start dictating games, rather than relying on match-winners like attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet or forward Antoine Griezmann to come through.