France got together to win
French players feel they won because, at some point, they really got together to overcome the problems and win.
People used to think Raymond Domenech was crazy. Ever since he became coach of France his confidence has been striking: “We must qualify for the World Cup, but that is merely a first step. Our final objective is to win it!”
Was he being ironic or was the pressure getting to the former France U-21 coach? In the words of the man himself: “It wasn’t just wishful thinking. No one else could see it, but it was obvious to me all along. After all, I was being paid to be positive. If I didn’t have faith in our abilities, who would?”
It was not always apparent from the outside, but the France squad never lost sight of their final goal. They were on a mission and had taken the words of their coach on board. The day before the semi-final against Portugal, Lilian Thuram said: “Great teams are made up of individuals who are ready to give all for their team-mates, to sacrifice themselves for the cause. I’m proud to have come back into a France squad where I can be a part of this.”