FIFA World Cup: France’s momentum not impacted by Tunisia defeat, says Coman

For Coman, starting a World Cup game was “a childhood dream come true” and he knows he is on a learning curve.

AL RAYYAN, QATAR - NOVEMBER 30: Kingsley Coman of France reacts during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between Tunisia and France at Education City Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) | Photo Credit: Clive Mason

France’s 1-0 defeat against Tunisia in their final Group D game will not affect the defending champions’ momentum at the World Cup as they head into a last-16 clash against Poland on Sunday, Kingsley Coman said on Thursday.

Coach Didier Deschamps fielded a second-string team, having made nine changes from the one that beat Denmark 2-1 in the previous match, and the overall impression was hugely disappointing.

“The most important is that we’re first in the group and we’re focused on the next game,” said Coman, who started the match on Wednesday, in a news conference.

The difference in quality was evident when the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann were brought on late in the second half. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

“It has no impact on our momentum, we’ve already turned our sights to the Poland game. Of course we want to win all the matches but it won’t affect our mood.”

For Coman, starting a World Cup game was “a childhood dream come true” and he knows he is on a learning curve, just like fellow forward Randal Kolo Muani.

“You learn every day during training. I’m still young, this is my third season, I’m still learning,” Kolo Muani, 23, said.

“Olivier (Giroud) gives me a lot of advice, I also talk to Kylian (Mbappe). I watch and we will try to reproduce what they do. With Kylian, we talk a lot. He is very important for us. He counts a lot and is one of the leaders, I confirm.”