“don’t get carried away”, “force destiny”, Koundé “cut for 2 years” … Deschamps’ words

Special envoy to Düsseldorf

Belgium curled up, like the Netherlands… France scares its opponents
“You have to ask them. We played against teams that usually have more possession. We made progress on that. The opponent remains more cautious, even if Belgium was on the offensive on paper, but with more withdrawn positions. For our part, we created more chances than Belgium. We were intelligent and we had the ambition not to leave them the spaces they wanted vertically. We have this ability to control our matches a little more and to have the ball. It’s something I appreciate, having the ball and forcing the opponents to defend. Which Belgium did. We didn’t get caught in the trap. The only regret is the number of shots (19 shots, 2 on target) that we were able to have… It’s a huge source of pride to be in the quarter-finals. Even if they expect us there, we shouldn’t trivialize it. You cut Koundé for two years. “Kolo” everything is fine. Which means you have to have a little restraint.”

And 8^e of tense and tight final
“It’s a high-level match, very tight, it’s cruel for Belgium, even if we did more than our opponent. We won, we were demonstrative, we have to appreciate every moment, that’s what I say to my staff and my players. We’re not going to get carried away either, but it’s a game-changer.”

His choice to place Griezmann on the right wing
“There was no doubt in my mind about starting him, but it was a question of balance, even if you had started with a diamond, square, triangle… I know Antoine, the positions he has with his club too. He knows how to adapt. He was very interesting with the ball, even if he could be even more effective. When there are big matches, I know I can count on him.”

Mbappé’s mask
“Kylian is getting used to the mask, what is important is the consolidation, which is better every day. There is the aspect linked to sweating with the efforts which can bother him a little. I have not put the mask on, but the vision, from what he tells me, he has the impression of seeing the images in 3D. From the front, it is fine, from the side, it is less clear. He will have to get used to it because he must wear it for a few weeks or months.”

Koundé elected man of the match
“He is full of confidence, feels good athletically, in his head, he has this ability to contribute. So much the better, because we always tend to exaggerate on the left side, our strong side. It is more difficult if we manage to have danger on each side.”

Kolo Muani, winning coaching
“Before having, in the final in 2022, this opportunity that could have changed a lot of things, he had done great things. I have confidence in him and if I bring him in, I know that he has the characteristics to hurt the hinge of the defense which is not fast. Randal, in his character which can seem casual at times, everything that is outside has no hold on him. So much the better for him and for the group.”

The solid defense of the Blues
“We are in the quarter-finals, we appreciate it. We have an interesting defensive solidity and essential at this level. It has not been easy for one and all. In the use of the ball, starting from the back, we have good control. Each line does what is necessary to not concede a goal. Even if we only scored one tonight, that is enough. My defenders are gaining strength. Koundé was more offensive than Hernandez. They are high-level players. That is their merit. We are talking about players who play at Barcelona, ​​Milan, Arsenal, Bayern… That they do not have experience, yes. But if I consider putting one rather than the other, I know that they will respond.”

Difficulty to score
“An own goal, if it’s deflected, I’m fine with that, but you have to shoot. As much as the one we scored against Austria, yes… I watch all the matches, the best teams are there. On paper, there’s a lot of intensity. Even if tonight, this goal is enough for us to qualify, we’ve always had the capacity to score more. Since the start of the Euro, it’s been a bit more difficult. We have a lot of chances, tonight 6 or 7. We have to force destiny. It mustn’t become a psychological block. We’re going to work on it.”