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FEW ever heard of 31-year-old Frenchman Antoine Griezmann.
He at all times performed a low-key at Qatar’s World Cup.
However rightly so, he was on the centre of the reward on Wednesday evening after a sensational efficiency in France’s 2-0 win over a courageous Morocco aspect of their World Cup semi-final.
The midfielder produced a brilliantly elusive run to arrange France’s first aim after simply 5 minutes, and was a menace for the Atlas Lions all night as he continued to excel in a extra combative position than he has typically performed.
TOP CLASS SHOW
Former England legend striker Alan Shearer, who anchors the BBC protection of the Qatar event, felt Griezmann was the most effective participant on the pitch, as he defined: “he was man of the match for me”.
He added: “You’ve acquired to present credit score to the best way (coach) Didier Deschamps has used him. He’s a brilliant expertise, a very intelligent participant who reads the sport very well. Whenever you consider the gamers they’ve acquired lacking, him and Aurelien Tchouameni have been incredible on the defensive work.’
Likewise, Didier Drogba was additionally impressed by the adjustments Griezmann had made to play a deeper position, saying he “appeared extra like N’Golo Kante”, however was nonetheless in a position to transfer like a real ahead as “it’s like biking, you always remember it!”
NOT SCORED SO FAR
Paradoxically, Griezmann has not scored a single aim on the World Cup in Qatar however has created a number of probabilities whereas additionally dropping deep and breaking apart play.
“I really feel good in my legs, in my thoughts…the work I did on trip and later with Atletico did me good, it was what I wanted. I attempt to assist the staff as a lot as doable, as at all times,” Griezmann mentioned.
There was additionally reward from former England star defender Rio Ferdinand, who referred to as him “the most effective defensive participant within the event” earlier than including: ‘We may present nice clips of him getting ahead and creating issues however we are able to in all probability present you as many clips of his defending.’
It has been a outstanding event for Griezmann giving his peculiar membership state of affairs, which has seen him taking part in simply half-hour in every recreation as Atletico Madrid look to keep away from triggering a sell-on clause in his contract.
FOR SUNDAY FINAL
With their star midfielder pulling strings behind an explosive entrance three, France will face Argentina within the closing on Sunday.
It might be billed as a superlative likelihood for Lionel Messi to verify his standing as the best participant in historical past, however the recreation may even be an opportunity for the champions to change into simply the second aspect in historical past to win again to again World Cups.
At 35, this World Cup is nearly sure to be Messi’s final likelihood of profitable the celebrated honour. Griezmann is aware of this and is worried about going through his former Barcelona team-mate. He mentioned: “When a staff has Leo with them, it’s fully totally different.”
Griezmann, who’s being deployed in a deeper position by France boss Deschamps, insisted he was impressed by Morocco after Wednesday’s recreation. But the Atletico Madrid ahead is anticipating a a lot harder tie towards Argentina on Sunday.
Will he now get one other likelihood to indicate his expertise on Sunday and steal the massive present?
* Suresh Nair is an award-winning sports activities journalist who can be a certified worldwide coach and worldwide referee teacher
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