Entire France squad trains on eve of World Cup final despite virus
The whole France squad attended a training session on the eve of Sunday's World Cup final against Argentina after a virus sidelined a number of players this week.
Didier Deschamps Sport News
France not worried about hostile atmosphere in World Cup final
DOHA: Holders France insist playing in front of a largely hostile crowd in Sunday's (Dec 18) World Cup final against Argentina will not have an impact as they attempt to become the first team in 60 years to retain the trophy.
France sweat on player fitness after virus outbreak ahead of World Cup final
DOHA: France coach Didier Deschamps was sweating on the fitness of several key players on Saturday (Dec 17) as his team battled a mystery virus on the eve of the World Cup final against Argentina.
Argentina v France sees Messi v Mbappe: Keys to the World Cup final
Argentina take on defending champions France on Sunday in the World Cup final.
Hugo Lloris expects France to be fighting fit for World Cup final
France captain Hugo Lloris believes the "adrenaline and excitement" of a World Cup final with Argentina will ensure all his team-mates are fit to play, despite illness affecting several members of the squad.
Virus-hit France focused on finishing the job against Argentina - Deschamps
France have not been overly troubled by the virus that has hit several players in the past few days, coach Didier Deschamps said, as the squad prepare to finish off their World Cup campaign in Sunday's final against Argentina.
French team battle to stop the spread of virus between players on eve of World Cup final
DOHA: Didier Deschamps said Saturday that France is taking “as many precautions as possible” to stop the spread of a virus that is threatening their preparations for their World Cup final showdown with Argentina. “We are trying to take as many precautions as possible, to adapt as necessary and get on with it,” the France coach said at a press conference in Doha ahead of Sunday’s match. “Obviously it would be better if this wasn’t happening but we are handling it as well as possible with our medical staff.” Central defensive pair Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate missed training on Friday due to illness, along with winger Kingsley Coman.
Beware the penalty specialist if final goes to shootout
DOHA : If Sunday's World Cup final becomes the third to go to penalties then coaches Didier Deschamps of France and Argentina's Lionel Scaloni should avoid the temptation to throw on a "penalty specialist" at the end of extra time - because it never works.