2018 FIFA WC: Griezmann says France can smell the perfume as of now, not the trophy

 

XtraTime Web Desk:  Defender Samuel Umtiti’s header was enough to secure France’s place in their first World Cup final since 2006, however Antoine Griezmann has remained clear that the team aren’t complacent ahead of facing England or Croatia.

Didier Deschamps has been criticised for being overly cautious yet his team produced a very disciplined performance to thwart Belgium, with Raphael Varane as their real standout performer.




“We can’t smell a trophy, only perfume,” Griezmann explained in his post-match interview.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground. The final will be very difficult.”

Griezmann has been in Atletico Madrid teams that have suffered heartbreak in finals, as well as his involvement in the Euro 2016 disaster, and he is determined not to suffer a similar pain.

“I’m more used to suffering than my teammates,” he admitted. “We’re very happy at this moment, but not overly so.

“We have to rest now, the final is in five days.”




Roberto Martinez bemoaned the fact the semi-final had been decided on a set-piece, however the Atletico forward believes it’s an important part of Les Bleus’ gameplan.

“The goal was rehearsed,” Griezmann confirmed.

“It has come at a key moment. I think we deserved to win.”