Deschamps turns up the heat at half-time as France crush Iraq 3-0

France beat Iraq 3-0 and qualified for the next stage of the competition, but Didier Deschamps made no secret of his displeasure at half-time, repeating the outburst already seen in the first match against Senegal.

The Blues had made a good start. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 18th minute, set up by Michael Olise on the right side of the box before firing into the far corner. Until the half-time break, the French team had seemed to be in control.

The momentum then faded, and the manager did not appreciate what he saw before half-time. As against Senegal — where a half-time dressing-down had preceded a 3-1 victory — Deschamps raised his voice in the dressing room. The second half was far more convincing, with the Blues eventually winning 3-0.

“The first half was still good… I’m perhaps too demanding, but I prefer to be that way with the players I have,” the manager admitted somewhat cryptically after the match. “We had complete control and it wasn’t easy given what happened. We secured it and I’m happy tonight. We’re qualified as of tonight, even if I’m convinced the third match will be decisive for the standings in this group.”

The rest of the table confirms his concerns. With Norway beating Senegal 3-2, France will need to perform on Friday against Erling Haaland’s side to claim top spot in the group. Thanks to their superior goal difference, however, a draw would be enough for the Blues to finish first.