World Cup 2022: Graham Arnold responds after Socceroos brutally sledged by French star
Graham Arnold was in a jovial mood ahead of Australia’s World Cup opener, laughing off a sledge about the Socceroos’ unknowns from one of France’s biggest stars.
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Graham Arnold has used his final press conference before Australia’s World Cup opener with France to poke fun at the defending champions’ lack of knowledge about the Socceroos.
All week French players have been wheeled out to speak to the world’s press, describing the Socceroos in vague complimentary terms – calling them “aggressive” and enthusiastic, while never mentioning a player by name.
Until, finally, defender Ibrahima Konate gave the brutal, honest truth.
“No, not at all. I don’t know any of them,” he said.
To which Arnold replied, when given the chance on Monday: “Doesn’t he have Paramount+?” — referring to the streaming service, which in Australia broadcasts the A-League — as well as shows like South Park, Dexter and the Survivor series.
Arnold played the role of comedian at times during his final press conference before Australia’s tournament opener against France – cracking jokes and comically struggling with the earpiece which feeds through translated questions in English from foreign media in real time.
But one thing he’s deadly serious about is how much belief there is within this Australian team, which is why at their core the French insults do leave a mark.
“It’s something that’s their point of view. It’s our job to go out there tomorrow and show them who we are as a nation,” Arnold continued.
“The players have the stage, it’s their stage. And this is an opportunity in life that can change their life even more than what they have now.
“(Captain Mat Ryan has) been very fortunate - this is his third campaign, a lot of players don’t get one chance.
“And all I’ll just say is — every player needs to look at Martin Boyle today, and realise how fortunate they are to be here and run off the back of that.
“Obviously he’s out, and these players are pumped and ready to go - and that’s the most important thing.”
FRENCH STAR’S BRUTAL AUSSIE SLEDGE
Adam Peacock
The disparity between the Socceroos and France in terms of recognition and fame is apparent enough, but stark confirmation came on Sunday night in Doha time when towering French defender Ibrahima Konate was asked if he knew any of the Socceroos players.
“No, not at all. I don’t know any of them,” Konate, who moved to Liverpool last off-season for $65 million offered succinctly.
Okkaaaay then.
Eduardo Camavinga grabbed the mic next. Just two weeks ago, the boom 20-year-old midfielder was an unused substitute for Real Madrid against Celtic, who had Aaron Mooy running around in midfield for the whole 90 minutes.
The 20 year-old offered only a blank look. He didn’t know Mooy. Just offered some generalities about the Australian team.
There was nothing sinister about Konate’s and Camavinga’s lack of Socceroos knowledge. Both spoke eloquently for 20 minutes each in front of a room full of journalists detailing their own ups, downs and ambitions.
They can’t, however, easily identify Mat Leckie from Mat Ryan, or Kye Rowles from rye rolls.
Not to say France manager Didier Deschamps hasn’t passed on some observations from the clash in Kazan four years ago, when France escaped with a 2-1 win over a resolute Australia to start a campaign that ended in glory.
“We studied this team well with the coach and the staff, we expect a difficult match because they put us in difficulty four years ago,” Camavinga says.
It’s a very good team. Already, if they were able to qualify for the (World Cup), it’s because it’s a good team.
Camavinga, who has brushed off dealing with racist social media posts after his a challenge in training ended Christopher Nkunku’s World Cup hopes, believes the Socceroos will employ a similar passive game plan to what nearly worked in 2018.
“They will probably wait for us,” Camavinga says.
The French could be surprised in this regard.
All week the Australians have highlighted a need to get the French team’s faces, and rather than repeat the ultra-conservative, careful approach.
The French do expect a physical challenge, with robust ‘duels’ coming from those in gold shirts.
“Personally I’m ready, playing Premier League,” Kounate says.
“I’m used to these kinds of duels. I have a lot of experience in those combats. Everyone in our team is used to that at this level.
“The intensity levels will be what you expect in a World Cup game.”
France manager Didier Deschamps allowed the media to watch the entire session on Sunday night Doha time. It looks likely he will employ a trusted 4-2-3-1 system that won the World Cup in 2018, with star forward Kylian Mbappe to start on the left side with freedom to roam infield. Olivier Giroud is certain to start as striker after Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema was ruled out of the World Cup with a quad injury.
“If they are less scared, that’s up to them,” Camavinga says when asked if the Socceroos would be relieved if Benzema is out.
“I don’t really think about what our opponents think of us. It is up to us to bring a burst of energy. It’s an important time for us.”
Originally published as World Cup 2022: Graham Arnold responds after Socceroos brutally sledged by French star
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