France coach Didier Deschamps has urged his side to enjoy every moment of their stay in Qatar after they beat Morocco to book their place in the final of the FIFA World.
The World Cup holders are on track to win the first back-to-back World Cups in 60 years after their 2-0 win over the North African side on Wednesday.
Speaking after the hard-fought win, Deschamps revealed he would tell his players and staff to enjoy every moment of their clash with Argentina on Sunday.
“It’s never easy, but it’s been such a joy,” said the France boss.
“We’re going to go after the title on Sunday. We’re going to enjoy the time. I tell this to my staff and players. Take every moment in the day to really appreciate and savour the moment. In four days, we are going to play for a world title.
“We’ll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup.”
Striker Olivier Giroud said: “When you are a young kid and start to play football, you have to grab your chance. Don’t judge me by success, but by how many times I get knocked down and come back up.
“You don’t lose. You just learn. You need to use those bad moments to achieve the target. The most important thing is to see the stars in people’s eyes when you celebrate and win.
“Your whole country is behind you, your country, your friends. I feel very proud. It’s a dream come true. I want to win even more trophies.”
Meanwhile, Antoine Griezmann, who won the man of the match for his energetic display in the win over Morocco, admitted that the game on Sunday against Argentina would be tough because of the presence of Lionel Messi.
“Any team with Messi in is a totally different proposition,” he said.
“We’ve seen Argentina play, and we know how they play. They are a difficult team to play, and they seem in top form. It’s not only Messi. They have a strong side around them, and they are going to have a lot of support from the crowd. We will be well prepared.”
Deschamps also admitted that Messi had been in ‘scintillating’ form at this World Cup and will provide a big test for his side.
He said: “Of course, he is one of the best players in the world. Of course, we are going to try to counter Messi’s influence. But Argentina will try to stop the influence of my players.”
Meanwhile, BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand praised France for the quality but have tipped Argentina to beat them after seeing the World Cup holders struggle against Morocco.
“The French team have a lot of experience. They know how to get over the line,” said former England striker Alan Shearer on the BBC.
Rio Ferdinand added: “As good as France are, Lionel Messi and Argentina will be sat there licking their lips a little bit.
“They will be thinking there are areas they can get at France, particularly down the left-hand area of their defence.
“With Julian Alvarez and Messi dancing around, it is going to be a great game.”
