Les méchants, France’s self-styled nickname before Spain World Cup semi-final | OneFootball

France have embraced a new moniker, les méchants, as they prepare to face Spain in the World Cup semi-final on Tuesday at 21:00.

According to Le Progres, Kylian Mbappé captioned a group photo after the 3-0 win over Sweden with the line “On arrive méchants”. Taken on the plane, the image showed Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé and Aurélien Tchouaméni in hoodies and sunglasses, arms folded and faces set.

Speaking at a Sunday news conference in Boston before flying to Texas, Ibrahima Konaté said the label reflects their ability to switch mindset, playful on the eve of games then fully focused on the way to the stadium with a shared will to win.

Didier Deschamps’s side have since shut down Paraguay 1-0 and Morocco 2-0, meaning they have yet to concede in the knockout rounds. They have been combative in duels, efficient in attack and notably solid at the back.

Maxence Lacroix, the most recent call-up, said the phrase is meant positively, as motivation, to show a team of fighters who want to leave the tournament with heads held high. That is how they approach matches, he added, they are there to win.

Now it is on les méchants to live up to the nickname against Spain, a tie that already feels like an early final.

Source: Le Progres