EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — France coach Didier Deschamps will return with Les Bleus for their Round of 32 match against Sweden. world cup on the following Tuesday Traveling to Europe for mother’s funeral.
Deschamps learned of his mother’s death the next day. France wins Iraq They decided to advance from the group stage on June 22nd. he was absent on friday victory over norway.
“I’m here. I’m fine. It’s good that I’ve been busy since Friday evening when I returned to the United States,” Deschamps said Monday through an interpreter.
France won all their group matches for the first time since 1998, with Argentina and Mexico the only countries to win all three matches. Les Bleus, aiming for their third title after 1998 and 2018, will face either Germany or Paraguay in the round of 16 if they get past Sweden.
“For me, it was very difficult. And for me and for the French national team, it was important for me to leave. They did what they had to do,” Deschamps said. “And now we are preparing a contest within a contest.”
In Deschamps’ absence, assistant Guy Stephan led the team to a 4-1 victory over Norway.
“It was a bit of a shock,” midfielder Adrien Rabiot said through an interpreter. “He trusted us completely and we gave him the best possible solution. I’m glad he’s back. I don’t think it’s easy to be sad in a situation like this. This is football and now we have the World Cup and that’s the way it is.”
Deschamps coached France 2018 title And on to the finals in 2022. Lost on penalties to Argentina.
Deschamps, who was captain of France’s 1998 champions, became manager in 2012 and announced his appointment in January. I will retire this summer. He is trying to become the second manager to win the World Cup twice, after Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938.
“Didier has come back with the willpower to do the best he can in this World Cup. Of course, it will also help him forget these tragic events a little bit,” Rabiot said. “He was smiling a lot. He was trying to be enthusiastic, but I know he’s very affected by the sadness. I think he tries not to show it and not have a negative impact on the team.”
FIFA rejects France’s request for coach’s mother to wear black armband
FIFA rejected a request by the French Football Federation to wear a black armband against Norway in honor of Deschamps’ mother.
“To be honest, it doesn’t change much for me,” Deschamps said. “We didn’t need to add any additional signs. We already had enough signs, direct or indirect.”
FIFA did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Marcus Thuram to miss match against Sweden and N’Golo Kante is undecided
Striker Markus Thuram will not play against Sweden due to a calf injury, while midfielder N’Golo Kante is uncertain.
“As for Markus, no, he has a little problem. It’s not too serious, but he’s muscular,” Deschamps said. “As for N’Golo, he’s not very muscular, but he’s probably too tight to be in the starting eleven tomorrow.”
Thuram, the son of 1998 World Cup winner Lilian Thuram, made his only appearance so far, coming on in stoppage time against Iraq.
Defender William Saliba gave his all in the first two matches and was rested against Norway.
“Of course he has problems with his back, but that’s not new,” Deschamps said. “He’s not 100%, but 99% is good for the game. Everything is fine.”
France vs Sweden in first World Cup match
France will play Sweden for the first time in the World Cup.
Les Bleus had the highest goal difference in the group stage at +8, outscoring their opponents 10-2.
“We could have scored more,” Deschamps said. “Sure, we allowed two goals, but we allowed too many scoring opportunities.”
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