Griezmann: "Luxembourg reminded me of Atlético"
France's goalless draw has complicated Didier Deschamps' qualification campaign but the Atlético striker expressed his admiration for the Red Lions.
Luxembourg secured a famous point in the Stade Municipal de Toulouse on Sunday in holding Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus to a goalless draw, a result that drew jeers from the crowd and disbelief in the national press after the final whistle.
However, Atlético Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann expressed his admiration for the European qualifying minnows. Speaking to Canal+ France after the game, Griezmann said: “We haven’t got any excuses. We played against 11 warriors. For me it was nice to see because they reminded me a little bit of Atlético, my club, so I enjoyed their way of playing.”
France unable to get through Luxembourg
Three days after a 4-0 destruction of the Netherlands in which they showcased their frightening array of attacking talent, France proved themselves unable to break down the nation lying 136th in the world rankings.
Didier Deschamps' side, with Kylian Mbappe starting after coming off the bench to score against the Dutch, had more than 70 percent possession and over 30 attempts on goal in Toulouse but failed to find a way through.
Griezmann smacked a 30-yard free-kick off the bar five minutes before half-time while Paul Pogba saw a header rebound off the frame of the goal late on.
It could have been worse for Les Bleus, though, as Luxembourg substitute Gerson Rodrigues outpaced Laurent Koscielny in the 79th minute before seeing his shot strike an upright.
Historic result for Luxembourg
It is the first time France have failed to beat Luxembourg since 1914 and the only consolation for the French is that they remain a point clear of Sweden at the top of Group A with two games remaining.
"Thursday's result was important but so was getting three points today, so we'll need to fight to the end," Deschamps told TF1. "The last two games will be decisive. We are in a better situation than we were in June, although we are disappointed tonight."
