Griezmann hits back at taunts over tactics

each of their knockout matches, coming through 2-1 in their semi-final against England on Wednesday night. Griezmann expects coach Deschamps, who won the World Cup as a player in 1998, to be ready for the challenge ahead at the Luzhniki Stadium. ‘He knows the way. We believe in him, we trust him,’ added Griezmann. ‘He prepares the matches well and has made strong choices in this competition, especially with Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez. His choices are paying off and I hope it will continue.’ France could be set for a weekend of celebration, with tomorrow’s final following on from the July 14 Bastille Day military parade on the Champs-Elysees. A massive fan zone around the Parc du Champ de Mars, near the Eiffel Tower, will show the Croatia match on giant screens, as an expectant nation seeks a repeat of their triumph on home soil 20 years ago. Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi should be involved despite being forced off against Belgium following a heavy collision with Hazard. Matuidi, 31, reckons victory — if France achieve it — should be dedicated to the whole nation. ‘The diversity that we have in this team is in the image of our beautiful country, France. We proudly represent France. For us, that’s superb,’ he declared. ‘The good atmosphere prevailing in the group is reflected on the field. We fight for each other — it’s our great strength. ‘We want to make efforts for others and this has brought us to play in the final. ‘Even those who play less are happy for others. This is the state of mind of a family that flows in the team.’ Meanwhile, Croatia legend Davor Suker last night insisted his countrymen can gain revenge on France by winning tomorrow’s showpiece. He was part of the Croatia side who were beaten by France in the 1998 semi-final before Les Bleus defeated Brazil in the final. But Suker, now head of his nation’s soccer federation, said: ‘We’re a small nation but a big nation in football. We made third place (in 1998). Now we can be better.’