The Asian Age

Cup win beautiful as 1998 for Deschamps

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Moscow, July 16: Didier Deschamps said France were “swimming in happiness” after his players interrupte­d his post- World Cup final press conference, dancing and showering their manager in drinks as they celebrated their 4- 2 win over Croatia.

The coach was about to start speaking when the squad came into the room packed full of journalist­s at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, with defender Benjamin Mendy leading the celebratio­ns as he danced with his shirt off.

Deschamps then tried to compose himself to give his view on France’s second World Cup triumph — he was the captain of the team that won the trophy in 1998 by beating Brazil 3- 0 in Paris.

“My story is linked to that of the players. I had the immense privilege and happiness to experience that as a player 20 years ago, and it was in France as well so it will remain with me forever.

“But what they have done today is just as big and just as beautiful,” said Deschamps.

The coach knows what the future will be like for this generation of World Cup winners, who will go down in history like the team of Deschamps and Zinedine Zidane two decades ago.

“There are two things that matter — one is that these 23 players are now together for life, whatever happens, and also that from now on they will not be the same again, because they are world champions,” the French coach added.

 ?? AP ?? French players throw head coach Didier Deschamps into the air in celebratio­n on Sunday. —
AP French players throw head coach Didier Deschamps into the air in celebratio­n on Sunday. —

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