Deschamps picks win versus Argentina as ‘trigger’ for title
BLUEBLOODED France beat firsttime World Cup finalists Croatia 42 to clinch their second title
and the small teams, on paper, arrived really, really well prepared athletically.
“The teams who had the highest level of possession, the highest level of control, were all punished by fast, forward (teams),” Deschamps pointed out. France were ahead of other teams – reacting, adapting to opponents and situations. The win exposed the vulnerabilities of a one-dimensional, possession-obsessed approach in modern football.
If the World Cup was about France’s immense flexibility, it was also about Croatia’s steely resolve. In each knockout game, Croatia were trailing. In the first series, India’s promising spinner will also be under a bit of pressure. He got three wickets at Lord’s, but wasn’t able to the make the impact he would have liked. Root’s approach against spin was refreshing to see. He displayed impressive technique and temperament to win his personal battle against the Indian spinner. And, playing at his homeground, the England team will be looking up to the Yorkshireman for inspiration and runs. It is 2-1 to Kuldeep though, having got Root’s number at Trent Bridge and Old three, they rallied, having to run around for a combined 360 minutes. Another comeback wasn’t possible on Sunday but Zlatko Dalic’s side, led by Luka Modric, still captured the footballing world’s imagination.
“On our bus, there is a slogan: small country, big dreams. That’s a good message to all,” Dalic said.
While Croatia dared to dream big, this World Cup also produced other engaging storylines.
England’s semi-final run helped rebuild the national team’s relationship with its fans as the country got behind Gareth Southgate’s boys like no other national side in recent memory. Trafford (1st T20). If he can get the main man again, it will become a different ball game.
India’s biggest issue is to sort out their weak the middle order and death bowling. KL Rahul, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni or Dinesh Karthik are the options being looked at in the middle-order. If things don’t fall into place at No 4 and No 5 in this game, then they may have to look beyond these men. As for death bowling, India will be hoping their ace pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar reports fit.
Belgium’s third-place finish also signalled the changing dynamics of football in Europe. The World Cup may have eluded Roberto Martinez’s men but Belgium are now among world football’s top dogs.
In Kylian Mbappe, the World Cup found its modern-day teenage hero and the first since Pele ascended the throne in 1958.
One of the biggest winners was hosts Russia. The tournament had been preceded by fears of fan violence and a diplomatic standoff between Russia and Britain. Once action started, all that was forgotten as fans poured in from all over the globe.
The road was long but it was worth it. We are proud to make the French happy. We had this role to help them forget all their problems. We play for that kind of thing.
KYLIAN MBAPPE, France forward PAUL POGBA, France midfielder