Lloris fires warning to out-of-sorts France: The World Cup euphoria is over

Hugo Lloris told France to put the “euphoria” of their World Cup triumph firmly behind them following another disappointing performance against Ukraine.

Les Bleus were held to a 1-1 draw in Kiev on Saturday in their latest qualifier for Qatar 2022, meaning they have now drawn five matches in a row for the first time in their history.

Anthony Martial’s first international goal in five years cancelled out Mykola Shaparenko’s excellent opener but, despite having 61.5 per cent of the ball, Didier Deschamps’ men could not create enough meaningful chances to find a winner.

Substitute Moussa Diaby hit the post, but only five of France’s 16 shots were on target, as they made it five games in a row in Kiev without a victory.

Lloris thinks his side need to put their 2018 triumph in the past if they are to get their qualifying campaign for next year’s finals on track.

“There was a lack of commitment, of aggressiveness. The euphoria of the 2018 World Cup is over,” he told M6.

“We’re feeling a little lack of confidence. There’s also a lot of development in terms of players, but it’s up to everyone to increase their level of performance.

“We must remain positive and make a success of the start of the match against Finland.”

5 – France have conceded the opening goal in each of their last 5 games, their longest such run since November 2009-June 2010 under Raymond Domenech (also 5). Asleep. #UKRFRA pic.twitter.com/aKljXuD5dW

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) September 4, 2021

Deschamps felt there was an improvement to France’s display in the second half, although he was frustrated at their inability to create opportunities.

“It was much better in the second half after the scene in the first where we could have opened the scoring and, in the following minute, we were behind,” he said.

“The sequence of matches is difficult, but it’s not an excuse. Of the 11 who started, many had never played together.

“You can always do better against a very tight opponent. You need a little more accuracy and movement. We had the ball but we must be able to create a few more chances.”