We’ve now reached the semi-final stage and France could well do it again, with Didier Deschamps emulating Aime Jacquet’s formula of a team based on hard work, defensive structure and unity, along with creative geniuses in attack.
In this second podcast of our summer World Cup series, Anita recaps day three of the action which featured France v Australia, Argentina v Iceland, Peru v Denmark and her home country, Croatia against Alex Iwobi’s Nigeria. Sylvain Jamet also makes a surprise appearance to discuss an Arsenal-less France’s opening game.
Speaking in a Q&A with fans, Henrikh Mkhitaryan named his favourites to win the World Cup this summer, but left out two major contenders for the competition.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted he does not understand Alexandre Lacazette’s World Cup snub by France.
Laurent Koscielny won’t play against Colombia on Friday night thanks a hip problem, but the France national team hope to see him return to face Russia next Tuesday, according to local media.
Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit is concerned for Laurent Koscielny’s World Cup chances.
France assistant manager Guy Stephan has urged Olivier Giroud to find more game time before the 2018 World Cup next summer.
Karim Benzema has payed Olivier Giroud a bit of a back-handed compliment following the 31-year-old’s 29th goal for France.
Dimitri Payet says he still rates Olivier Giroud, even if he’s not getting the best run in the Arsenal side at the moment.
Olivier Giroud has apparently returned to Arsenal after suffering a thigh injury while away with the France national team.
This week, Laurent Koscielny announced his retirement from international football.
Olivier Giroud has shown his support for his former France teammate, Patrice Evra, after the ex-Marseille defender was banned from football until June 2018 for kicking a fan.
Olivier Giroud managed to pick up a thigh injury while playing for France during their 2-0 friendly win over Wales on Friday.
Four Arsenal stars featured in France’s international friendly win over Wales at Stade de France on Friday evening.
Laurent Koscielny has announced that he’ll retire from international football after the World Cup in Russia next summer.
Nine Arsenal players have been called up for their countries for their upcoming international matches.
Antoine Griezmann has revealed that he would like to play alongside Alexandre Lacazette for France again.
Alex Iwobi not only scored for Nigeria on Saturday evening, he sent his country through to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Olivier Giroud wasn’t too proud to get his good looks touched up before France’s press conference.
Arsene Wenger has revealed that three Arsenal players won’t be going on international duty for their respective countries.