France Futsal: Lokoka on Georgia Victory | Euro Qualifiers 2024

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Francis, the France team is coming off a clear victory (5-0) against Latvia on Sunday. Looking back, how do you view this performance which ideally places you in this group?

It’s a founding match for us, because it’s the first victory in our history in a final phase of a European Championship. We also take first place in our group. All the lights are green.

For the second time in this tournament, the French team experienced a slightly more complex first period before making the difference. How do you explain this adaptation time required each time?

I think there is a little stress. It is true that we have a little difficulty getting into our matches. Once we find our bearings, we gain the upper hand over the opponent. After our excellent run at the last World Cup, our status has changed, which adds weight to our shoulders. We also knew that we had not yet won a match in this competition; I think it played a bit into people’s heads. As soon as this milestone is passed, we “let go of the horses” and we manage to produce a good game.

On a personal level, you made an incredible double parade that left its mark. Can you tell us about the action from the inside?

I see Mamadou Touré who slips and hurts his knee. Behind, the ball arrives at a Latvian player. My first instinct is to go out quickly on him in order to close the angles. I make a first save, but the ball comes back to his feet. I quickly analyze the game when I see one of his teammates at the far post. I then make a new stop. It goes really fast. I’m very happy because I saved my team from conceding the first goal of the match.

“In futsal, the goalkeeper is fully integrated into the game”

You are currently leading Group A. Before facing Georgia on Wednesday, how is the group feeling? Is the team calm or is the pressure of qualifying for the quarter-finals starting to mount?

The group is calm. It will be difficult against Georgia, who can still qualify. For our part, we want to maintain first place and finish the group stage on a good note in order to validate our qualification. The objective is also to prepare for this possible quarter-final. We played this team in the qualifiers (5-2 victory and 3-3 draw, Editor’s note). The Georgians showed great defensive solidarity. We will also have to be vigilant on transitions, because they quickly project themselves forward.

This match involves travel and special logistics. How did you integrate this parameter to maintain maximum physical freshness?

We knew from the draw. We left Riga for Kaunas (Lithuania) by bus, a four-hour journey. On Monday, the staff set up a fairly fun training session to stretch your legs and discover the room.

For those new to Futsal, the goalkeeper position is very specific. How would you define your role?

In futsal, the goalkeeper is fully integrated into the game. He participates in the offensive phases by scoring goals or providing assists. It also provides tactical numerical superiority. Defensively, his role is just as crucial since he provides cover for his defenders.