FIFA World Cup 2026: Guy Stephan dedicates France win over Norway to Didier Deschamps
Massachusetts, June 27
France assistant coach Guy Stephan dedicated the team's dominating 4-1 win over Norway to head coach Didier Deschamps, saying his thoughts were with him and that he would speak to him later.
He expressed relief that Deschamps is expected to rejoin the squad soon and be back at training the following day. Ousmane Dembele's outstanding hat-trick powered France to a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match in Boston on Friday.
Stephan praised the players for their performance, saying they delivered what was required and added that the squad, given their close bond with Deschamps, were motivated to put in a strong display in his absence.
"Obviously all my thoughts go to Didier Deschamps. I will call him later. We are all happy that he will be back with the team shortly. He will be at training tomorrow afternoon," Stephan told reporters as per Reuters.
"All the players did what they had to do," Stephan said. "Given that they are very close to Didier, the players wanted to do something special today on the pitch," he added.
Both sides had already secured qualification for the knockout stages after winning their opening two matches. France topped the group on goal difference heading into the fixture and required only a draw to finish first.
However, they emphatically ended the group stage, sealing a commanding victory to confirm top spot in Group I.
Stephan felt that while the performance was largely positive, he was less pleased with periods where his team relaxed and reduced their intensity, which allowed the opposition to create chances.
He added that this is an area they must improve as tougher opponents lie ahead, noting that Norway were not at full strength in the match.
"What I liked a little bit less, if you want to be a little bit on the perfectionist side, is that there were times when things got easy and then we didn't run as much, and we ended up with situations where we gave opportunities to the opponents," he said.
"This is something we need to work on as the opponents are going to get better. I'm not saying that Norway isn't a good quality team, but they didn't have their A team today," he concluded.
Manchester City star Erling Haaland, Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, and Alexander Sorloth did not feature for Norway in their final group stage match against France.
The decision to rest some of the key players from Norway was made by coach Solbakken, who has decided to rest players ahead of the Round of 32.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Guy Stephan's dedication to Deschamps shows the bond this French team has. Reminds me of how our Indian team plays for each other. Wishing Deschamps a speedy recovery! 🙏
Norway's decision to rest key players is questionable. In cricket, even after qualifying for playoffs, teams play their best XI. But I guess football tactics are different. France were too good today though - that first half was devastating.
Loving the World Cup here in Boston! The atmosphere is electric. France look scary good. Dembele is on fire and even without Deschamps on the touchline, they didn't miss a beat. Norway better hope their rested stars are match-ready for the knockout rounds.
Stephan is right to be perfectionist. In knockout matches, those moments of relaxation can cost you dearly. Remember how Italy lost to North Macedonia in 2022? India knows this pain too - we've lost crucial matches due to lapses. France must stay focused! 🔥
Honestly, Norway's strategy could backfire. Momentum matters in tournaments. Resting Haaland and Odegaard might save their legs but could kill team rhythm. That said, France looked unstoppable - Dembele is a World Cup winner in the making.
S