France coach Didier Deschamps insisted he was by no means apprehensive his facet is perhaps the newest defending champions to be eradicated from the World Cup within the group stage after they turned the primary group by means of to the final 16.
The holders adopted their opening 4-1 win over Australia by beating Denmark 2-1 in Doha on Saturday because of a Kylian Mbappe brace, with the all-important second purpose coming 4 minutes from time.
That left France on six factors after two video games, and so they now look set to win Group D as nicely, with only a draw of their final match in opposition to Tunisia all they should assure the highest spot.
It’s a far cry from the final three World Cups, through which the holders have gone out within the group stage on every event.
That statistic had been talked about to Deschamps previous to the match, particularly as accidents dominated out key gamers together with Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
“Quickly I should thank everybody who spoke to me about that,” mentioned Deschamps.
Italy had been the holders once they went out on the first hurdle in 2010, with the identical destiny befalling Spain in 2014 and Germany 4 years later.
“I’m by no means apprehensive, even when you recognize the ambiance across the squad is just not all the time calm,” he added.
“However I wasn’t anxious or apprehensive, for the great motive that statistics are there to be contradicted after some time.
“We’re not going to get carried away however what we’ve got performed up to now is excellent.
“The gamers are rivals and there’s a collective energy that stands out, and which you’ll be able to see on the pitch too.
“We’ll want that for what’s to return.”
FIFA World Cup: France by no means feared the curse of the world cup holders, says coach Deschamps-Sports activities Information , Fifanews
