Griezmann didn't celebrate France goal due to respect for Uruguay

Antoine Griezmann scored one and made one as France eased into the World Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 defeat of Uruguay.

Published : Jul 07, 2018 02:08 IST

France ground out the win to set up a semifinal clash with Belgium.
France ground out the win to set up a semifinal clash with Belgium.
lightbox-info

France ground out the win to set up a semifinal clash with Belgium.

A deep-rooted respect for Uruguay was the reason Antoine Griezmann did not celebrate his goal for France that confirmed the South Americans' exit from the World Cup on Friday.

The 27-year-old added to Raphael Varane's first-half header with a second just after the hour mark, effectively killing the contest, although the goal owed as much to a howler from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera as it did the quality of Griezmann's strike.

The Atletico Madrid man has spoken numerous times of his affection for Uruguay, having been handed his debut at Real Sociedad by mentor Martin Lasarte and worked alongside the likes of Diego Godin - the godfather to his daughter Mia - in the Spanish capital.

READ: Griezmann breathes life and lustre into dull France's World Cup hopes

He said: "I didn't celebrate because when I started as a professional I was supported by a Uruguayan who taught me the good and the bad in football and I have a lot of respect for Uruguay. I was also playing against friends, so I thought it was normal not to celebrate."

"They're a tough team, like Atletico Madrid. Everyone works hard in attack and defence. It's something I see day in day out and I love Uruguayans and Uruguayan culture, so I have a lot of respect for them."

 

France ground out the win in a match high on energy but low on quality to set up a last-four clash with either Brazil or Belgium, who meet in Kazan later on Friday.

Griezmann added: "We have a team who can hurt any defence. We have to continue working but when we focus on our style, we have a better chance of winning."

"We have people who know how to manage a game. I do something similar: when I have the ball, I try to take the game to where I want it to be."

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment