France ‘achieved goal’ after dire Denmark draw

AFP, MOSCOW: France coach Didier Deschamps insisted his side had "achieved their goal" on Tuesday, after a drab 0-0 draw with Denmark in Moscow secured top spot in World Cup Group C.

Deschamps made six changes to the starting XI that beat Peru 1-0 and his side happily played out a mutually beneficial stalemate with Denmark, which saw the Scandinavians reach the last 16 for the first time since 2002.

“The goal is achieved. It was difficult for us too, because the teams have been very well prepared,” the 1998 World Cup-winner told French TV channel TF1.

“Facing blocks (of defenders), staying tight, it's never easy. I made changes as well, which hurts team cohesion but it's good for all the players to feel involved.”

A 2-1 victory over Australia and the win against Peru had already seen France into the knockout rounds, but they have been unconvincing so far in Russia despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Antoine Griezmann, who was top-scorer at Euro 2016, was again a peripheral figure and failed to even complete a pass to strike partner Olivier Giroud.

France achieved goal after dire Denmark draw

AFP, MOSCOW: France coach Didier Deschamps insisted his side had achieved their goal on Tuesday, after a drab 0-0 draw with Denmark in Moscow secured top spot in World Cup Group C. Deschamps made six changes to the starting XI that beat Peru 1-0 and his side happily played out a mutually beneficial stalemate with Denmark, which saw the Scandinavians reach the last 16 for the first time since 2002. The goal is achieved. It was difficult for us too, because the teams have been very well prepared, the 1998 World Cup-winner told French TV channel TF1. Facing blocks (of defenders), staying tight, its never easy. I made changes as well, which hurts team cohesion but its good for all the players to feel involved. A 2-1 victory over Australia and the win against Peru had already seen France into the knockout rounds, but they have been unconvincing so far in Russia despite being one of the pre-tournament favourites. Antoine Griezmann, who was top-scorer at Euro 2016, was again a peripheral figure and failed to even complete a pass to strike partner Olivier Giroud.