Denmark will eat their words - France intentions give Socceroos hope

Argentina's woes mean that France could face them in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, but Les Bleus have no intention to give up top spot in Group C when they face Denmark on Wednesday (AEST).

France

The France national team during training Source: AAP

"The aim is to finish top of the group, because it will help us get more confident," full-back Djibril Sidibe, who said he is "1,000 per cent fit" after recovering from a knee injury, told a news conference on Sunday.

Les Bleus have already secured their place in the next round after a 2-1 win against Australia and a 1-0 victory against Peru.

However, should they defeat Denmark, a Socceroos win over Peru would see Bert van Marwijk's men leapfrog the Danes into second place and secure qualification to the round of 16 for the first time since 2006.

And while a draw would still guarantee France top spot, Sidibe admitted his side would be out to make Denmark coach Age Hareide eat his words after earlier denouncing the French as "nothing special" and admitting that he didn't "believe in this team".

"He's free to say whatever he wants. But let's say that we will certainly use (his comments) to be even more motivated," Sidibe said with a smile.
France coach Didier Deschamps could be tempted to rest some of his key players and Sidibe, whose injury means he lost his place in the starting line-up to Benjamin Pavard, will be keen to impress if he can start against Denmark.

"The goal would be to play the perfect match," he said, adding, however, that he did not ask Deschamps for an explanation.

"We all respect the coach's choices," he explained.

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2 min read
Published 24 June 2018 1:33pm
Source: Reuters


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