France praise Croatia’s mental strength
I have tried to convey to the players that they are probably facing the most beautiful game of their lives. It is a privilege to play this game
DIDIER DESCHAMPS, France coach
MOSCOW: One day ahead of the World Cup final against Croatia , France coach Didier Deschamps and captain Hugo Lloris said the team is calm and not affected by the euphoria that has swept the country. “There is no euphoria. Honestly, I don’t see it,” he said at the pre-match press conference, adding that the feeling among the players was instead one of satisfaction. “I have tried to convey to the players that they are probably facing the most beautiful game of their lives. It is a privilege to play this game; there is nothing more important,” he said.
Deschamps said his message to the players was to stay calm, confident and to concentrate.
Skipper Lloris said the players have been keeping their mind away from the celebrations in France. “We are in our little bubble and we don’t know what is happening in France.”
“We face a high-quality opponent tomorrow. They deserve as much credit as we do,” said Lloris. “We are ready to finish everything on a high note. It may be the most important match in our careers. We shouldn’t spread ourselves too thin on details,” said Lloris.
The goalkeeper was careful not to downplay the strength of their opponents. “Croatia have shown their mental strength which is quite incredible. They have managed to qualify after extra-time three times in a row. There is something special in this team,” he said.
Asked to comment on Luka Modric, Deschamps hailed the midfielder’s influence. “Modric is very mobile and has a great technique base. He has a great influence on his team. Croatia are playing as a whole team. Modric can join an attacking play as well as in defence at any time,” he said.
With 14 players from his team having African ancestry, Deschamps said there was a sense of pride among his players to be representing the continent in the sport’s biggest game.
“They are all proud to be French. But through their origins, through their childhood, they have friends, families in these countries so they have a certain attachment to these countries and a certain pride that these people will see them play in a World Cup final,” he said.