Songs and dances in France’s dressing room – Giroud: Reminiscent of 2018
France’s match winner Olivier Giroud feels more and more reminded of winning the title four years ago in Russia at the World Cup in Qatar. “It reminds me of the mentality and dedication of 2018. This group deserves to get back that far,” said the 36-year-old after the hard-fought 2-1 win over EM runners-up England on Saturday night in Al’s quarter-finals -Chaur. The French of head coach Didier Deschamps now meet Morocco in the round of four on Wednesday (20.00 CET).
The atmosphere in the dressing room of the Équipe Tricolore was splendid, as Giroud described it. “There was singing and dancing in the dressing room. The association president Noël Le Graët came, Lilian Thuram and Claude Makélélé. It’s wonderful to see those feelings in the locker room.” Goals from Giroud and Aurélien Tchouaméni brought the French into another World Cup semi-final. England captain Harry Kane scored from the spot but missed another late penalty to make it 2-2.
“That’s great. We have the quality in the team, but you also need the right attitude. Maybe we got a bit lucky too. We’re enjoying it for now,” said head coach Deschamps, whose team could defend their first world title in 60 years.
Germany’s former world champion Toni Kroos praised the exchange of blows in the Al-Bait Stadium as the best game of this World Cup so far. Goalless Kylian Mbappé and Co. are the clear favorites against Morocco, who are the first African team in history to reach a World Cup semi-final. “Morocco will be a tough opponent, they are mentally strong,” warned Giroud.