Desailly hopes France can emulate class of ’98
dubai — French football legend Marcel Desailly felt that the Les Bleus could spring a surprise at this year’s World Cup in Russia and hoped that they mark the 20th anniversary of the class of 1998 and go on and win football’s greatest showpiece.
France won their only World Cup in 1998 and Desailly, among others, were part of that side that triumphed on home soil. Since then, they have gone on to finish runners-up to Italy in 2006 in Germany. France were runners-up to Portugal at Euro 2016. The country waits for another World Cup title and things look promising with a young team taking shape under Didier Deschamps.
Desailly, who also won the Euro in 2000, said that France were still way behind Brazil but added that a good showing in the group stage will do a world of good for the Les Bleus.
I see France not better than Brazil for the meantime Marcel Desailly
“I see France not better than Brazil for the meantime. When you look at the squad, they are better than Spain or Germany,” Desailly said on the sidelines of the Hublot Match of Friendship at the Dubai Opera Garden in Downtown Dubai.
“But we can build up the confidence especially in the first group stage. People say it is an easy one but you still have to prove on the field that it is an easy one. So, if they manage to play well, they will get that confidence which France need. They don’t have the experience of the high level because they are young. But the talent that they have probably will allow them to build confidence and go far in the competition,” he added.
France are in Group C alongside Australia, Peru and Denmark.
Desailly said it was unfair to compare this team with that of 1998 but added that the wait has been too long for a World Cup. “It is two different generations, era, 20 years ago, we need a win, it has been too long. It is the anniversary of us winning the World Cup so it would be good if they win it this year.
They have the quality but not the experience. So, I hope that group stage, which apparently is not difficult, will allow France to build up that confidence that they need. So, when you top up confidence plus talent, France could surprise every single one.
They surprised everyone during the Euros. We were not sure they were capable of reaching the final but they did it and they almost won. Maybe, they are going to do it the same way at the World Cup,” said Desailly, who played for Marseille, AC Milan and Chelsea.
james@khaleejtimes.com