France coach Didier Deschamps has hailed the change in belief surrounding the national side, suggesting that the supporters now believe they will beat world and European champions Spain this week.
Olivier Giroud struck a vital late equaliser, when the sides met in the reverse fixture in Madrid, and Deschamps believes the goal could be a defining moment as ‘les Bleus’ look to put the problems of recent years behind them.
"Emotionally, it [the result against Spain] was very strong; Olivier Giroud`s equaliser caused great joy on the bench and for those watching on TV," he told a French news website. "The feeling before the game was one of pessimism. Today, in the minds of the fans, they imagine we will beat Spain.
"At Stade de France, the fans want to live the same thing as they did in Madrid. Against Germany, there were a few whistles, but the French public is not made of enthusiasts. They encourage depending on the result; it is relative, it remains lucid.
France coach Didier Deschamps has hailed the change in belief surrounding the national side, suggesting that the supporters now believe they will beat world and European champions Spain this week.
Olivier Giroud struck a vital late equaliser, when the sides met in the reverse fixture in Madrid, and Deschamps believes the goal could be a defining moment as ‘les Bleus’ look to put the problems of recent years behind them.
"Emotionally, it [the result against Spain] was very strong; Olivier Giroud`s equaliser caused great joy on the bench and for those watching on TV," he told a French news website. "The feeling before the game was one of pessimism. Today, in the minds of the fans, they imagine we will beat Spain.
"At Stade de France, the fans want to live the same thing as they did in Madrid. Against Germany, there were a few whistles, but the French public is not made of enthusiasts. They encourage depending on the result; it is relative, it remains lucid.
"I will not prepare for Georgia as I do for Spain; neither in the balance of forces on the pitch, nor in the psychological approach," he added.
"We have a goal to qualify for Brazil. Sporting logic would have us finishing second, but without being presumptuous, we must have the ambition to play for first place."
Goal.com
First Published: Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 10:56