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regular-article-logo Wednesday, 03 July 2024

Euro 2024: For Antoine Griezmann, defence will be key 

Champions in 1984 and 2000, France were denied a third title in 2016 when they lost the final 0-1 to Portugal after extra time, a defeat Griezmann says hurt him 'enormously'

Reuters Clairefontaine (France) Published 01.06.24, 10:43 AM
Antoine Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann File image

France will look to Antoine Griezmann for goals at Euro 2024 this summer but the Atletico Madrid forward says their chances of success in Germany will depend on how tight they keep things at the back.

Champions in 1984 and 2000, France were denied a third title in 2016 when they lost the final 0-1 to Portugal after extra time, a defeat Griezmann says hurt him “enormously”. “We were so close,” he said in a press conference on Thursday.

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“It was the same thing at the last European Championship, with the penalties,” he added of their Euro 2020 shootout defeat by Switzerland in the round of 16.

“I have a lot of desire and a lot of ambition. But we will have to prove it on the pitch. For me, the key, even if it’s always very boring, is going to be the defence, a solid team, tough during challenges, and very good defensively.”

The 33-year-old had no concerns about teammate Kylian Mbappe, who left Paris St Germain at the end of the season and has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid.

“I think (Mbappe) knows how to keep things in perspective ... even if it’s hard, let’s talk less about it and concentrate solely on the French team,” he said.

With Paris hosting the Olympic Games in less than two months, Griezmann said he would love to represent France but that his club side were reluctant to release him.

“It will be decided in the final moments...,” he added.

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