‘I was NEVER worried’: France boss Didier Deschamps says he did not fear the World Cup ‘curse’

With the smile acknowledging that a hoodoo had been buried came a warning that France is ready to consign another statistic to history.

Didier Deschamps was overjoyed as he reflected on Denmark’s 2-1 dismissal that saw France become the first team to reach the last 16, but left no one in doubt that his side’s only aim is to rock Qatar with the trophy they won Arrived.

Winning the World Cup has been a millstone around the neck of the last three defending champions, with Italy (2010), Spain (2014) and Germany (2018) failing miserably to reach the group stage. All were eliminated in disgrace.

France manager Dider Deschamps (centre) beamed after his side’s latest victory

Deschamps (center) has helped shape French superstar Kylian Mbappé (left).

A previous generation of French footballers was also familiar with this story, as the 1998 heroes collapsed in Japan and South Korea in 2002 and were wrapped up within three games. However, there was never any prospect of history repeating itself for this extravagantly gifted collective.

After beating Australia 4-1 in their first game, this success not only enabled them to top Group D, it also set a milestone. Deschamps, the successful coach in Russia four years ago, wants to be the first man since Italian Vittorio Pozzo (1934 and 1938) to achieve back-to-back triumphs.

The Frenchman claims that despite injuries he has no worries about the team

“I wasn’t worried – I never worry when it comes to my team,” said Deschamps, who saw the extraordinary Kylian Mbappé score twice, either side of a close range effort from Andreas Christensen. “When I’m with my guys I’ve got my head down and I know what we have to do to win.

‘I wasn’t worried about those figures, about the rights holders and the curse. Statistics are there for a reason, but statistics are also there to be broken. This squad? They have so much quality. We have great players, a great team and they have a great spirit.

“We will need this spirit for what lies ahead. I am proud of what my boys have done. We have sealed our place in the last 16 and I now hope that we will finish at the top of the table. There were a few things we could have done better, but we can improve for the next performance.”

France qualified from their World Cup group after beating Denmark 2-1 on Saturday

French star Mbappe scored both of his side’s goals as France made it two wins out of two

Danish head coach Kasper Hjulmand was magnanimous in the defeat, noting that France were worthy winners, and it will be fascinating to see what Les Bleus can do if they haven’t yet reached the ceiling of their abilities. They were brilliant in patches here, the best team to play so far.

Leading the way was Mbappé, a player who reaches remarkable levels almost effortlessly, and Deschamps was understandably effusive in his praise.

The Paris St Germain superstar has accepted the responsibility of being a focal point during Karim Benzema’s absence and is doing everything he can to make it happen.

Deschamps labeled Mbappe an ‘exceptional player’ during his post-match press conference

“What can I say about him?” wondered Deschamps, who confirmed he will make a number of substitutions against Tunisia. “He is exceptional, an exceptional player in an exceptional team.

He’s not a leader by shouting, he’s not very talkative, but he’s like a steam train on the field.’