"In recent matches, we have noticed a love rekindled with the team," France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris said Sunday. "We have done what we needed to do on the pitch to make them happy."
Nigeria’s revolting World Cup squad
African champions Nigeria will be eyeing a maiden spot in the World Cup quarter-finals on Monday.
Unfortunately, the Super Eagles' build-up to the crunch game has been overshadowed by a pay dispute. On Thursday, the players boycotted training, demanding part payment of their agreed appearance fee for the tournament. This was because they feared they will not be paid their $30,000 per player bonus for reaching the second round, a situation that was witnessed after last year's Confederations Cup.
Africa has never had two teams in the last 16 and if both can pull off upset wins, they will meet in the quarter finals and an African nation will be guaranteed a first ever place in the semi-finals.
French coach Didier Deschamps and Germany's Joachim Loew know however that if they win, their sides will clash in the quarter finals.
Angry Algeria coach says Ramadan is matter for players
"It's not the first time I have had Muslim players in my team. I myself am a Muslim. I've always let them be free, this is a private question and when you asked this you lack respect," the Bosnian-born coach said.
"The players will do as they wish. This is private. You should talk about football and nothing else. Stop asking me about Ramadan otherwise I'll get up and leave."
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