Deschamps heaps praises on Mbappe after goal celebration
Didier Deschamps has praised Kylian Mbappé for his gesture after the France striker scored his first goal in a 3-0 thrashing of Sweden in a World Cup Round of 32 game played at the MetLife Stadium.
Deschamps, who had returned to the touchline after he briefly left the France team camp after the group stage games following the death of his mother, said that he was moved when Mbappe dedicated his first goal in the game against Sweden to him.
“Kylian’s gesture really touched me,” Deschamps said.
“He is our captain, and I’m not just saying nice things for the sake of it but because he has been exemplary from day one.”
The coach also praised his team’s unity and focus during a difficult personal week.
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“The squad was united. They did what was needed while I was away, and it was better that I wasn’t there, both for them and for me,” Deschamps added.
“But once I returned, they knew I was with them, and that’s a very good thing. A team’s mindset doesn’t win matches on its own, but I know all too well that it can make you lose them.”
Kylian Mbappé scored twice in the game (45′ and 74′), and Bradley Barcola added the second goal for France early in the second half (53′).
Michael Olise was instrumental, providing assists for both of Mbappé’s strikes and Barcola’s finish.
Swedish goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterström made nine saves to keep the scoreline from being higher.
