At almost 24 years old (December 5), Randal Kolo Muani experienced the first World Cup match of his life on the day of his third selection and his first tenure in the France team.
The result was an encouraging individual performance in a struggling collective.
He was at a press conference this Thursday at the start of the afternoon.
What pleasure did you take after this failed match against Tunisia?
RANDAL KOLO MUANI.
The pleasure is to play this first match of the World Cup.
It's a childhood dream.
We tried to envy, especially in the second half.
In first, we lost a lot of balloons, duels, we played with the brake.
We could have done better in this match.
Is your morale affected?
We won with the group of 24 and against Tunisia, we lost at 24. Everyone is integrated into the project.
Poland are coming very quickly, we have to move on and focus on the next game.
What have you discovered on the international level?
There is a lot of intensity.
It plays faster, there are fewer missed checks.
You have to be more focused.
Tunisia had more desire than you.
How do you explain it?
It was our problem.
We played with the handbrake because there was too much pressure.
We had to manage it and we missed it.
But it's good to have played it.
How did you learn that your opponent would be Poland in the round of 16?
We all watched the game together.
We weren't expecting too much.
Poland is a big team.
It will be a big big game.
You have to be ready for this battle.
What do you think of Robert Lewandowski, the Poland striker, your future opponent?
He inspires a lot.
In front of goal, he is a great finisher.
He is also very good and with his back to goal, he holds the ball well.
It will have to be monitored.
How have you progressed?
I learn every day.
Olivier (Giroud) gives me a lot of advice.
I speak a lot with Kylian too.
I watch what they do, how they are in front of goal, how to keep their cool, keep the balls back to goal, I talk about the different calls with Kylian.
Kylian Mbappé, precisely, is he a leader?
He has been in the France team for quite some time.
He means a lot to us.
He can be a leader.
Is the claim of the French Federation after
the confused end
against Tunisia justified?
I think so.
It takes a goal away from Griezmann.
For morale, we are doing better with a draw, which passes better than a defeat.
It's for the whole group.
What do you remember from the first round for the Blues?
Collective strength.
We have a good group, we are together, starters and substitutes.
There is a good feeling between us, a lot of exchanges.
How do you live your status as a replacement in selection?
I'm very lucky to be here.
It's a dream to be here.
I continue to learn.
It is happiness.
I am still learning.
Does Benjamin Pavard seem affected to you after his discussion with the coach?
He doesn't talk too much about his feelings.
He is very integrated in the group.
I don't think the discussion with the coach had any consequences.
Monday is your birthday the day after France - Poland…
A qualification would be a very nice gift.
We'll cross our fingers for that.
