France keeping feet on ground ahead of World Cup final

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AFP Moscow
Last Updated : Jul 14 2018 | 10:20 PM IST

France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said the World Cup favourites are shutting out the mounting excitement at home as they focus on one final push against Croatia.

Tens of thousands of people flooded the streets of Paris following Tuesday's semi-final win over Belgium and confidence is high that Didier Deschamps' team can match the achievement of the 1998 winners.

L'Equipe's Saturday magazine supplement even came with a front cover photo of crowds on the Champs-Elysees avenue. "See you tomorrow," read the caption.

Deschamps' side are strongly fancied to win Sunday's final but lessons from the recent past -- including defeat to Portugal in the final of Euro 2016 -- ensure they are not getting carried away ahead of the match in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.

"To be honest with you, we are in our bubble," said goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris.

"Of course we know what's happening in France, all the more so after seeing all the images after the Belgium game.

"But tomorrow we will be coming up against opponents of great quality. They deserve to be in the final just as much as us. They have demonstrated their worth and that they have the physical and mental resources to go and win it."
"We are satisfied to be there, and we are aware that it is the biggest match of the year."

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First Published: Jul 14 2018 | 10:20 PM IST

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