Les Bleus banking on Griezmann to get his game in gear
MOSCOW — World Cup contender France is waiting for star striker Antoine Griezmann to hit his stride as Les Bleus aim to secure top spot in Group C against Denmark on Tuesday.
Griezmann last week signed an extension with Atletico Madrid through to 2023 despite strong interest from Barcelona, but the 27-year-old has yet to find his best form in Russia.
While he scored from the penalty spot in an opening 2-1 win over Australia, his sluggish start to the tournament mirrors his early travails at Euro 2016, where he finished as top scorer.
“I think he will get stronger. I hope he does. That was the case at the Euros. He started slowly and finished very strong. I’m not worried about him,” said Chelsea forward and France teammate Olivier Giroud.
Griezmann scored six goals as France finished runner-up to Portugal at the European Championship, clicking into gear as the competition progressed and netting five times in the knockout stages.
“He has had a long, grueling season. He’s played a huge number of matches,” added Giroud, with Griezmann helping Atletico claim a third Europa League title with victory over Marseille in May’s final
“When you have a bit less in your legs, it’s harder to be at ease on the pitch, but he’s still very important for us.”
Griezmann himself admitted there is room for improvement as France targets a deep run in Russia.
“I’m going to get better and I’m sure the level everyone expects, including myself, is going to come quickly,” he told French TV channel TF1.
Didier Deschamps’ side is already qualified and would clinch first place with a draw in Moscow, a result that would also send Denmark through as runner-up, regardless of Australia’s result against Peru.
Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso is keen to avoid Croatia in the last 16, even if the alternative is a blockbuster clash with Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
“Croatia will come out of Group D, so above all we have to avoid finishing second to avoid meeting them,” said Tolisso, who started the first game against Australia.
“Nigeria, Iceland and Argentina are all good teams. You never know what’s going to happen in a match, but we know the last 16 will be difficult, regardless of the opponent. It will be a fight.”
Second-place Denmark beat Peru 1-0 in its first game before a 1-1 draw with Australia to extend its unbeaten run to 17 matches.
Age Hareide’s side is looking to reach the latter stages at a World Cup for the first time since 2002.
“France may be considered among the favorites, but they have not been finishing off opponents,” Hareide told Danish newspaper bold.dk.