The hour is approaching and the tension is mounting.
In two days, France will face England in a World Cup quarter-final that promises to be as undecided as it is stressful.
In the meantime, the Blues continued their preparation for a quiet training session behind closed doors.
Mbappé back in training
The man everyone is talking about is back.
And his absence will not have lasted very long.
Exempted from training for the Blues on Tuesday evening - he was recuperating indoors while his teammates were training outdoors in Doha - the competition's top scorer (5 goals) Kylian Mbappé was back for the day's session , carried out behind closed doors on Wednesday afternoon.
A good omen three days before the quarter-final of the Blues against England.
“Of course I have reassuring news, even laughed his teammate Ibrahima Konaté, who came to a press conference.
It was a bit of recuperation yesterday (Tuesday) after a day's rest.
He stayed in the room.
There is nothing to worry about or any controversy.
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Read alsoWorld Cup: Kylian Mbappé, a goal machine never stopped by the pressure
Rabiot, the age of reason
Spent at a press conference, the former midfielder of PSG offered the journalists present in Doha a real nice exchange.
He spoke about his past in Blue, including his refusal to be a "reservist" in 2018, his relationship with Didier Deschamps and his current form.
Rabiot, imperial since the start of this World Cup, considers himself "surely in the best period of his career".
“It's true that I'm going through a very good period footballing speaking, he confirms.
Whether at Juventus or at this World Cup.
It also comes with the fact that I have grown, that I have matured, that my football has grown as well.
“He will again be the lung of the France team on Saturday evening against England.
Konaté impressed by Mbappé
Also in front of the microphones, the Liverpool defender had very laudatory words about the star of the Blues, Kylian Mbappé.
" He is impressive.
But I'm not surprised.
From year to year, it evolves and it becomes better.
I don't know where it will stop.
His power, serenity, technique and speed are impressive.
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A jersey for the record
Little time of celebration for the Blues.
By scoring against Poland (3-1), Olivier Giroud became the top scorer in the history of the France team.
To celebrate the occasion, a small protocol was planned before the lunch of the France group this Wednesday in Doha.
The president of the French Football Federation made the trip to personally give him a 52 flocked jersey in tribute to his number of goals.
"I'm really flattered, you have an exemplary career.
You are the typical example of a man who fights with dignity all the time”, launched Noël Le Graët.
All in the collective good mood since the whole group warmly applauded him in the company of Didier Deschamps, smiling.
Walker, not even scared
On the English side, we are also preparing this match in serenity.
Passed in front of the media, the right side Kyle Walker spoke about his upcoming clash with Kylian Mbappé.
“I have already met him several times.
He lived complicated matches against me (…) I understand what I have to do to stop him.
It's easier said than done, but I don't underestimate myself,” explained the Manchester City defender, who in the past got the better of Bondy's crack.
“You have to give him respect, but not too much.
It's not England against Mbappé, but England against France.
I'm not going to roll out the red carpet for him and tell him to score.
It's a World Cup, it's a matter of life and death.
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