France midfielder Antoine Griezmann admitted his team will have their work cut out against Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the summit clash of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022. France ended Morocco’s dream run on Wednesday, beating the African nation by 2-0 at the Al Bayt Stadium.
On the other hand, Le Albiceleste defeated Croatia in the other semifinal with Messi being at his best. The talisman scored from the spot kick early on in the game and then provided a fine assist to Julian Alvarez after taking on Joska Gvardiol and bamboozling him with his speed.
Meanwhile, France has been a force to reckon with in the ongoing marquee event and Griezmann has been superb for his team in the midfield.
“Any team with Messi in is a totally different proposition,” said Griezmann as quoted by ESPN. “We have seen practically all of their matches at this World Cup, we have seen Argentina play, we know how they play, they are a difficult team to play and they seem to be on top form.
“Of course, not only Messi, they have a strong side around him so we know it is going to be a tough game and they will have a lot of support in the crowd.
“We will get back to work tomorrow, focused on it, how we can hurt them, how we can defend against them, we will be well-prepared.”
On the other hand, the team’s manager Didier Deschamps revealed the team is wary of the virus. Rabiot was told to stay in his hotel room whereas Upamecano and Kingsley Coman were also not fit due to illness.
“In Doha, temperatures have fallen a little bit, you have air conditioning which is on all the time,” said Deschamps.
“We’ve had a few cases of flu-like symptoms. We are trying to be careful so it doesn’t spread and players have made great efforts out on the pitch and obviously, their immune systems suffer.
“Dayot Upamecano felt sick immediately after the match [against England]. It happens when you make such an effort, your body is weakened and you are more prone to be infected by these viruses.
“We are taking all necessary precautions, we are trying to make sure it doesn’t spread but viruses are of course infectious and we have to take precautions against it. We separated him from others and Adrien as well.”
France will face Argentina in the final of the World Cup at the Lusail Stadium on Sunday.
