France Focuses On Winning Trophy despite Virus Crisis

France coach Didier Deschamps disclosed that the team have not been overly disturbed by the virus that has hit several players in the past few days, as the squad prepare to finish off their World Cup campaign in Sunday’s final against Argentina.

Defenders Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, Raphael Varane, midfielder Adrien Rabiot and forward Kingsley Coman were all infected during the week, although most of them have recovered.

On Friday, only Konate, Coman and Varane missed collective training as Rabiot and Upamecano were back with the squad after being ruled out of the semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday.

“We try to take the maximum precautions, to adapt and to deal with it, without going overboard. It is obviously a situation. If it could not exist it would be better, but we manage as best we can,” Deschamps told a news conference on Saturday.

The showdown at the Lusail stadium will be Deschamps’ third World Cup final after he won it in 1998 as Les Bleus’ captain and then four years ago as their coach.

He oozed calm on Saturday despite the pressure of facing a team looking to give Lionel Messi his maiden World Cup title.

“I have no worries or stress. The important thing in preparing for a match like this is to remain calm,” said Deschamps.

 Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma