France’s Rayan Cherki: ‘We won’t go to the World Cup as the favourites but to crush everyone.’ | OneFootball

There was no need for panic on Thursday night, despite France’s defeat to the Ivory Coast at the Beaujoire (1-2). Les Bleus had taken the lead through Rayan Cherki, but in the second half, the 2023 African champions overturned the deficit thanks to goals from Guéla Doué and Amad Diallo.

However, that comeback coincided with Didier Deschamps heavily rotating his side. Five changes were made at half-time, and by the end of the game, all 10 outfield players were different to the ones that started the encounter. France will face Northern Ireland on Monday in their final FIFA World Cup preparation game before heading to North America. 

Pundits have Les Bleus as one of the favourites to win the tournament, given that they have reached the final in the last two editions, winning in 2018. Cherki, the scorer on the night, addressed the tag in his post-match interview with TF1. 

“[The defeat] is a little alarm bell that allows us to keep focused. We won’t go to the World Cup as the favourites but to crush everyone,” said the Manchester City forward. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle