World Cup 2022: against Australia, France wants to be serene
The captain of the French football team, Hugo Lloris.
REUTERS - GARETH BUMSTEAD
Text by: David Kalfa Follow
2 mins
As in 2018, France will start the Football World Cup against Australia on November 22, 2022 in Al Wakrah.
But four years later, are the defending champions still as formidable?
Coach Didier Deschamps and his captain Hugo Lloris show relative serenity, despite the withdrawals of midfielders Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kanté, as well as that of striker Karim Benzema.
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From our Special Envoy in Doha,
“
I see you know the Australian team well, you haven't asked me any questions about them, so that's perfect!
“Didier Deschamps, the coach of the French football team, cannot help but send a spade to the media when leaving the press conference of the Blues, before their match against the Australians, this November 22, 2022 in Al Wakrah , in
the World Cup
.
The technician seems half amused half annoyed by the incessant questions about his group, weakened by the packages of Paul Pogba, Ngolo Kanté and especially that of Karim Benzema, elected Ballon d'Or 2022.
To (re) read ► 2022 World Cup: schedule and match results
The Victor's Curse
“
We continue to believe in our chances, in our group, in our adventure
, yet promises the captain of the Blues, Hugo Lloris.
Inevitably, the last minute withdrawals did not help the team, even less that of Karim because we know his importance within the team.
But I want to believe in the fact that we continue to move forward and we can't wait to start this competition
”.
Even if the winners were each time eliminated in the first round of the following edition, since the 2010 World Cup… “
There is pressure on all the teams involved
, recalls the goalkeeper.
Being defending champions, of course, there are expectations.
But within our group and our collective, we have a very specific mission: it is above all to be concentrated on this group stage and to give ourselves every chance of finishing first
.
Didier Deschamps does not show more apprehension before this fifth final phase at the head of the Habs, despite inevitable tactical adjustments linked to the withdrawals of some and the poor form of others.
“
Each team had its own adventures, with absences, players who were more or less injured at certain times or just before the competition
, puts Deschamps into perspective.
We have to move forward with the group of players that there is.
It is not to have less ambition.
[…] On the other hand, if there is more understanding on your part, it would be a good thing for the players
, ”smiles the ex-midfielder, before going to put the finishing touches to this first French meeting during this 2022 World Cup. Kick-off from 7 p.m. UT.
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