Several players from the French team gave their feelings after the Blues qualified for the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Monday in Düsseldorf.
Adrien Rabiot (midfielder of the French team, after 1-0 victory over Belgium ) : “The score is logical. We could have even made it worse. From my point of view, we had the ball and control of the match, they defended a lot. We were a little clumsy in our shots and in their area. But once again, the victory is logical, we pushed until the end. This goal came logically. I had already said it but we are very solid defensively, the block is very compact. It is difficult to break through the lines. And in the one-on-one duel at all levels it is complicated to pass us. That is our strength. And from there we manage to play, to start again and we know that we will have one that will end up in the back of the net, that is enough to go through. 1-0, we are very satisfied. The inefficiency? We have very rarely hit the target, we have to improve, it is sometimes a bit of haste on the last move but it will come. We have not been very lucky at the moment despite qualifying. It can turn. In the next game, we might put three in the back. Tonight is enough. (On his suspension for the quarter) I’m disgusted… The referee was pretty harsh. That’s how it is. There are people on the bench, guys will do the job, I’m very confident and I hope to be back on the field in the semi-finals.”
Also read: Euro 2024: Without shining and in pain, France extinguishes Belgium
Antoine Griezmann (France team forward) : “I’m very happy, very proud, we’re in the quarter-finals, there’s a lot of happiness. A trigger? We’ll see, time will tell but it feels good. The Belgians played very well, I really liked them, they worked together, defensively and offensively. It was complicated for us but with Randal Kolo Muani coming on, we managed to make the difference. Randal Kolo Muani as a lucky charm? I don’t know, but when you have a substitute who comes on like that, it makes the difference, we know it’s hard because all the players want to play and there are only 11 starters. But the strength of this group is this: those on the bench are hungry, want to come on and are ready to do so at any time… It’s good for the French team. (on his positioning on the right) I found out this morning (Monday)he came to my room and told me, I said “go coach, let’s go, I’m here for you, for the team”. It was very different. I tried to adapt and win. (…) I’m not a winger who’s going to do one-on-ones. But no matter where I am, I’ll give my all all the time.”
Also read: Euro 2024: Griezmann: “Don’t bother with a small score”
“It’s a new competition that begins, you win or you go home. Today, we didn’t want to go home”
Aurelien Tchouaméni
Aurelien Tchouaméni (midfielder of the French team) : “Click? I don’t know. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose the group matches, it’s a new competition that begins, you win or you go home. Today (Monday)we didn’t want to go back. We’re going to continue and continue to talk with you. The most important thing is to win. It wasn’t an easy match, against a great opponent. But in the end we won and it’s deserved. Saliba? We have 25 high-quality players. Everyone is capable of stepping up when the time comes. William is competing incredibly. The whole defense too. Everyone is performing well. We’re going to continue to get stronger because we’re going to continue to play against big teams. When I see his match, I’m very happy for him. He deserves it. Jules Koundé? I’ve known him for a long time. Despite everything that’s said, he’s one of the best in his position. He shows it to everyone. I’m happy for him, he deserves it.”
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