Mbappe double sinks Denmark, takes France into World Cup last 16
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a late winner, as holders France edged Denmark 2-1 on Saturday to become the first team to reach the last 16 of the World Cup.
Didier Deschamps Sport News
Giroud ready to tower above French giants
DOHA: From Raymond Kopa to Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane to Thierry Henry, France has produced some of football’s all-time greats, but Olivier Giroud needs just one more goal for Les Bleus to tower over all of his compatriots.The giant 1.93m tall center-forward and 2018 World Cup winner equalled Henry’s record mark of 51 goals for the French national team by scoring twice in his country’s 4-1 win over Australia on Tuesday.He had already long since left behind the likes of Platini, David Trezeguet, Jean-Pierre Papin and Just Fontaine, the striker who famously scored 13 times in one World Cup in 1958.France’s oldest international goalscorer at the ripe old age of 36, Giroud has reached his tally in 115 appearances for his country, eight fewer than the number of caps obtained by Henry between 1997 and 2010.“It is a source of pride, an honor,” Giroud said after his brace against Australia which saw him draw level with Henry as France began their defense of the World Cup.“It makes you think about all the hard work I have put in to get here but also the superb teams I have played in.”Now ready to go beyond Henry’s mark, he added: “Watch out ‘Titi’, I’m coming.”Giroud’s performance against Australia has raised hopes that France can cope just fine in this World Cup without Karim Benzema, the Ballon d’Or winner who pulled out injured on the eve of the tournament.After all they did just fine without Benzema four years ago in Russia, even if Giroud failed to score a single goal during the World Cup in Russia.But there is a growing feeling that Didier Deschamps’ side might even be better off this time despite all the injuries in their squad, given the fruitful relationship that Giroud has developed of late with Kylian
Denmark provide France coach Deschamps with puzzle to solve
DOHA : France started the World Cup with a bang against Australia but Denmark will offer a much tougher challenge and could lead coach Didier Deschamps to make key tactical changes on Saturday.
No risk of France being complacent against 'underrated' Denmark
DOHA : Having lost twice to Denmark recently, France will be taking nothing for granted when they look to secure their qualification for the knockout stages with a game to spare in Group D on Saturday.
Coman leaves France training session ahead of Denmark clash
Kingsley Coman has left France's training session on Thursday, two days before the defending champions face Denmark in Group D of the World Cup in Qatar.
World Cup digest: Minister wants holders to make voices heard on human rights
The French sports minister urged the national football team on Thursday to make themselves heard amid a row over FIFA's threat of sanctions for the OneLove armband.
French sports minister urges national team to speak up in armband row
DOHA : The French sports minister urged the national football team on Thursday to make themselves heard amid a row over FIFA's threat of sanctions for the "OneLove" armband.
Giroud targets scoring record as France face Denmark
DOHA: Olivier Giroud will bid to become France's all-time top scorer when they face Denmark in Group D at the World Cup on Saturday (Nov 26), with 'Les Blues' looking for a victory that will take them into the round of 16 with a game to spare in Qatar.