WorldCup
18:01, 19-Jul-2018
‘Give it to Kylian Mbappe,’ said Manager Didier Deschamps at World Cup final halftime
Updated
17:46, 22-Jul-2018
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The Mirror newspaper reported on Wednesday that, during the 15-minute halftime of the 2018 FIFA World Cup final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, France's manager Didier Deschamps gave a simple message to his players: Give it to Kylian Mbappe.
France came back to the dressing room with a 2-1 lead against Croatia. Considering that their rivals made it into the final after three extra-time matches - two of which even ended with penalty shootouts - Deschamps and his team couldn’t afford to be negligent.
Kylian Mbappe responded to Deschamps' expectations with a goal in the second half at the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. /VCG Photo
Kylian Mbappe responded to Deschamps' expectations with a goal in the second half at the 2018 FIFA World Cup final. /VCG Photo
“They're looking for Mandzukic straight away. Mandzukic heads it, chests it, or deviates it with his foot. Be careful around him. He can still win the ball with his head, just be careful around him. Not to be static, to already be on the move. Close him down. Think about it. Do not make it harder for yourself,” said Deschamps according to footage captured by French TV channel TF1.
As for their offense, the French manager made it as simple as possible since it’s difficult to a team who just finished 45 minutes of fierce competition understand complex tactics.
The French defense, led by Raphael Varane, ensured victory for the team. /VCG Photo
The French defense, led by Raphael Varane, ensured victory for the team. /VCG Photo
“Give it. As soon as you can. Give it to Kylian (Mbappe). Antoine (Griezmann), come down a bit during counters. You're staying up next to the attackers. We need you to be an option. 45 minutes! You know what's next! Keep your heads up! Loosen up! When you get the ball, boom! Give it forward!”
Deschamps was not the only one who spoke. In the end, as the core of the defense, Raphael Varane took over and gave an inspirational message: “Don't get too worked up about positioning. Guys, it's in your head. Be positive, believe in it. We're gonna win, guys. 45 minutes, flat-out, come on!”
In the second half, thanks to two goals by Paul Pogba and Mbappe, France won their second ever World Cup trophy with a 4-2 victory.