Deschamps: Kylian's gesture touched me

The head coach of the French national team, Didier Deschamps, admitted that he was deeply moved by the act of the captain of the team, Kylian Mbappe, during the French forward dedicated his first goal scored to the mentor and gave him a big hug on the touchline. This moment had a special meaning for the team. Deschamps has just returned to the French camp after being forced out of the final group stage match due to the death of his mother. "Kilian's gesture really touched me. He is our captain and I say nice things not just for the sake of it, but because he was exemplary from day one," Deschamps shared after the match. The coach highly appreciated the unity and concentration of his wards during this difficult period for him personally. France's record at the World Cup is impeccable so far, with the team winning all four of their matches, scoring at least three goals in each of those victories. "The team was united. They did everything that was needed while I was gone, and it was better that I was not there, both for them and for me, but as soon as I came back, they realized that I was with them, which is very good. Team spirit alone does not win matches, but I know very well that it can lead to their defeat," the specialist frankly added. As well as heaping praise on Mbappe, who currently shares the tournament's top scorer with Lionel Messi (6 goals each), Deschamps singled out the influence of Michael Olise. In the match against the Swedes, he provided two assists, bringing his total number of assists in the tournament to five. "When he's on the ball, it's great. He plays world-class football. He's had a very good season and although it took him a little time to adapt, he has an incredible impact on the team now. He complements the other attackers well and their understanding on the pitch becomes automatic," Deschamps said of Olisse's play. Against the background of unexpected early departures of such football heavyweights as France, they look as confident as possible. After a comfortable victory over Sweden, the next round of the playoffs awaits the team - a match against the Paraguay national team, which will take place on July 4 in Philadelphia. Evaluating further prospects, the head coach remains pragmatic and focused: "We have seen other playoff matches. It was difficult for everyone. We had less difficulties only because we executed our game plan very well. We know what awaits us in four days. We will have to repeat this performance against an opponent with different qualities. But when our talented players perform with such attitude and concentration, it is just great," summed up Didier.