Changes and a disappointing result for the Blues.
Facing Tunisia (1-0) on Wednesday, Didier Deschamps took advantage of the qualification already acquired to largely rotate his team with nine changes at kick-off compared to the last match.
Far too many, probably to hope for a better result, in a competition where the slightest detail is paid for in cash.
Lacking inspiration and light in impact, the French players were surprised on a goal by Wahbi Khazri after Youssouf Fofana lost the ball in midfield (1-0, 58th).
A defeat without accounting consequences before the eighth final on Sunday.
Read alsoTunisia-France (1-0): the notes of the Blues
“There is disappointment because we are competitors”, confides all the same Axel Disasi, for whom it was the first cape in Blue.
“There were a lot of us playing our first minutes in a World Cup.
Now, don't throw everything away and stay focused.
A new tournament is starting.
Despite the defeat, I remain positive and take lessons from everywhere.
“More often used as a central defender, the Monegasque played as a right-back this time, a position in which he has already played in a club and where he sometimes had trouble positioning himself during this meeting.
“Maybe there was more determination on their side”
Stirring on the front of the attack without being dangerous, Randal Kolo Muani prefers to remain positive.
“The dynamic is not cut, he assures.
The coach rotated.
It was a good experience.
We know what to expect now, it's a bit complicated for some, even for everyone, but you have to be focused and stay ready at the right time.
".
Like the former Nantes player, they were 7 to start for the first time in the World Cup this Wednesday evening.
The team's inexperience in this kind of meeting certainly weighed on the final result and leaves a bitter taste despite the satisfaction of being there for the round of 16... unlike Tunisia.
“There was perhaps more determination on their side, recognizes Mattéo Guendouzi.
We did not know how to respond individually.
We lost silly balls and did things we don't normally do.
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Read alsoTunisia-France (1-0): "I'm not sure the match could resume", is surprised Didier Deschamps
Nothing serious in itself for the Blues, except for the statistics which take a hit.
If it doesn't hurt, the backhand can on the other hand do a job for the Habs who had not lost a World Cup match since July 4, 2014 and the defeat in the quarter-finals against Germany (1- 0).
The setback conceded against Khazri and his troops has, of course, nothing comparable, as it will be anecdotal if the French continue their way next Sunday for the first match ax.
"But we have to put our heads back in place tomorrow and focus on what awaits us on Sunday", nevertheless slips Jordan Veretout, aware that if Tunisia has "made the match that was necessary “, the Habs, they have” not responded present.
“An observation that we will not have to repeat next weekend because as the OM community reminds us:” This one, if we lose it, we go out!
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