Following France’s dominant 4-3 win over Argentina which paved the way for them to progress to the 2018 World Cup quarter finals, we were joined by French football journalist Julien Laurens to get an insight into the French attitude and the team in this tournament.
"The players always said to us forget about the group stages it’s all about knockout stage games. It’s all about being at your peak at the right time. There’s no need to peak too early, look at Portugal," he said.
"They delivered by improving between group stages and the last 16. It was important for them psychologically. To have the key players to deliver."
He also spoke about right back Benjamin Pavard who has gone from being a peripheral figure to scoring a superb long-range goal against Argentina.
"Pavard that was his ninth cap and for him to play like that against Di Maria and Argentina, scoring the goal he scored, I think it’s pretty special," said Laurens.
"It looked like everything went out way in that game. Pavard is a really fascinating character. He grew up around football.
"He may not be the most talented but the determination is incredible. He’s very emotional in everything he does. He does everything so fully. It was such a crucial goal for him to score. He will never forget that moment when Deschamps compared him to Thuram it’s great for his morale."
Laurens also discussed Paul Pogba’s role in the team, especially off the pitch.
"He’s so important. I can see why people are criticising him, the antics off the field, the haircut etc but that’s Pogba that’s part of him," he said.
"He’s such a crucial player for this team. He brings the atmosphere, the singing, the dancing and you need that or it’ll be boring. He flies his barber over London , three times in ten days, that’s great dedication to your hair."
Stephen Kierans
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