France assistant coach Guy Stephan confirmed that head coach Didier Deschamps will return to the squad for training on Saturday after a brief trip home to attend his mother's funeral. Deschamps missed France's final Group I match against Norway at Gillette Stadium near Boston. His mother passed away earlier in the week.
Deschamps to Step Down After World Cup
Deschamps, who captained France to World Cup glory in 1998, will step down as coach at the end of this tournament after 14 years in charge. Stephan expressed relief that Deschamps would rejoin the team soon. "Obviously I am thinking a lot about Didier. I will talk to him later but we are all really pleased that he is coming back really soon and he will be at training tomorrow afternoon," Stephan told reporters after the match.
Dembele Hat-Trick Powers France to 4-1 Victory
Ousmane Dembele starred with a first-half hat-trick as France defeated a second-string Norway side 4-1, making it three wins from three and securing top spot in Group I with nine points. Desire Doue, Dembele's teammate at Paris Saint-Germain, scored France's other goal late in the game. "Ousmane was so clinical today. To score three goals in a World Cup game is exceptional," said Stephan. "I think Doue's goal was the first header of his career. There were lots of interesting things in the game and we could probably have scored a couple more goals."
Norway Rest Key Players
Norway rested star striker Erling Haaland and captain Martin Odegaard, fielding a weakened side. Stephan acknowledged the opposition's quality but noted they were not at full strength. "Norway are a quality side but they didn't play a full-strength team. It was a great day, with lots of goals and lots of good moments, and the players really enjoyed it," added the 69-year-old assistant.
France Advance to Last 32
France, winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, have lived up to their billing as tournament contenders. They will face either Sweden (third in Group F) or the third-placed finisher in Group G in a last-32 tie next Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Stephan highlighted the importance of finishing first for logistical reasons. "We really wanted that first place for logistical reasons because a 45-minute flight is better than three or four hours to Dallas," he said. Norway will travel to Dallas to play Ivory Coast after placing second in the group.
