After qualifying for the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Qatar, French coach Didier Deschamps highlighted how his team managed to find the way to defeat Poland 3-1 and praised striker Mbappé.
“It wasn’t simple. We faced a very strong team, well organized, but we kept the ability to modify the game as we ended up doing, repositioning our team. And Mbappé with the ability to solve problems is wonderful. Good for us!”, said Deschamps at the lawn exit.
“This group has been very united since the beginning and getting through to the quarterfinals is wonderful. It fulfills our objective. Everyone is in a group spirit and the entire technical commission works hard. Now we are going to celebrate the vacancy with our family”, he concluded.
Another who praised the number 10 was goalkeeper Lloris, who had a good performance in the round of 16 victory. “It’s hard to see the limit for Kylian. You’re always with him, but when it comes to major title fights you realize he’s the best.”
Who also showed to be very happy is the striker Olivier Giroud, who scored his 52nd goal with the shirt of the French national team, surpassing the hitherto record holder Thierry Henry, who has 51.
“I’m fulfilled and now I’m obsessed with scoring more goals to get as far as possible in the tournament. I wanted to break the record, so today is a special game for all of us”, said Giroud, also praising the unity of the group in Qatar.
“In the locker room we said that in order to live this magnificent experience together we had to be supportive, united, all as one. At every moment we know how to find the right words. We are a group of friends and you can see that on the pitch. I am happy to see this selection rewarded in football, but there is still a long way to go.”
“If I’m getting better with age, how about wine? Well, I’m feeling good physically, I have the highest degree of motivation and determination. As long as my health allows me, I’ll continue because I’m a competitor and I really enjoy the game and representing the France. I don’t want to impose limits on myself, I’ll take it step by step”, added Giroud, who was also highly praised by Lloris in the mixed zone after the match.
“Olivier is a great leader, an example for future generations. There are a lot of young people in the team and he is an example of how to stay consistent, stay strong mentally and never give up. This is something Olivier always strives for and has been rewarded. I believe that he still wants to increase that number, he wants to add a few more goals”, commented the goalkeeper.
France’s top scorers:
1. Olivier Giroud: 52 goals (in 117 games since 2011)
2. Thierry Henry: 51 goals (in 123 games from 1997 to 2010)
3. Antoine Griezmann: 42 goals (in 114 matches since 2014)
4. Michel Platini: 41 goals (in 72 games from 1976 to 1986)
5. Karim Benzema: 37 goals (in 97 appearances since 2007)
6. David Trezeguet: 34 goals (in 71 games from 1998 to 2008)
7. Kylian Mbappé: 33 goals (in 63 matches, since 2017)
8. Zinédine Zidane: 31 goals (in 108 matches, from 1994 to 2006)
9. Just Fontaine: 30 goals (in 21 games, 1953-60)
🇧🇷 Jean-Pierre Papin: 30 goals (in 54 games from 1986 to 1994)
Top French goalscorers at World Cups:
1. Just Fontaine: 13 goals in one edition (1958)
2. Kylian Mbappé: 9 goals in two editions (2018 and 2022)
3. Thierry Henry: 6 goals in four editions (1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010)
4. Michel Platini: 5 goals in three editions (1978, 1982 and 1986)
🇧🇷 Zinédine Zidane: 5 goals in three editions (1998, 2002 and 2006)
6. Antoine Griezmann: 4 goals in three editions (2014, 2018 and 2022)
🇧🇷 Olivier Giroud: 4 goals in three editions (2014, 2018 and 2022)
(With agencies)
As a seasoned news journalist, I bring a wealth of experience to the field. I’ve worked with world-renowned news organizations, honing my skills as a writer and reporter. Currently, I write for the sports section at News Bulletin 247, where I bring a unique perspective to every story.
