France have the tranquility of knowing they are safely through to the last 16 regardless of the result against Portugal on Wednesday, Didier Deschamps contentedly revealed. Despite his protestations, they also have the motive, opportunity and weapons to deny that luxury to the reigning European champions at the Puskas Arena.
The France manager rejected the theory that his players will be motivated by the thought of potentially eliminating a major rival, and the team that denied them the Euro 2016 title on home soil, before the knockout stages have started. Winning, building confidence and gathering momentum are incentive enough for the world champions, Deschamps argued. But they know. Hugo Lloris,
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