Dayot Upamecano: “I am very happy with my first victory with the team and above all, my first in the World Cup”

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·23 November 2022

Dayot Upamecano: “I am very happy with my first victory with the team and above all, my first in the World Cup”

Dayot Upamecano got his first taste of the World Cup in France’s 4-1 win against Australia and he did not disappoint. As GFFN outlined in our player ratings, the Bayern defender was excellent on the ball and his approval of his performance was apparent as he spoke with beIN sports in a post match interview. When asked about his feelings about the match he stated, “I am very satisfied. I was expecting a big game. I am very happy with my first victory with the team and above all, my first in the World Cup. We have to continue like that. We will rest up to be ready to battle with Denmark”

Upamecano did not seem shaken by the first half scare of Australia drawing first blood, “We needed a little time to get into it but afterwards I think we did well in the second half. We scored more goals we created more chances.”

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When asked about Giroud and his accomplishment of becoming France’s joint all time scorer he said this, “He is very important for us. He is a leader. Like I always say, we always need leaders and he shows it every day on the pitch, he is always looking to score and I’m happy for him.

The world is quickly getting to know France defender Dayot Upamecano. At the club level, his coach said before the World Cup, he is playing at a world class level. Those comments did not seem to get to the defender’s head. When asked about his coach’s comments he told L’Équipe “Julian Nagelsmann said that I’ve been playing at a world class level this season? I don’t know if I would say that, but for sure I’ve progressed in so many areas.“

This type of attitude is crucial for a defender. Especially one starting in the World Cup. Upamecano was also asked about his teammate, Lucas Hernandez. He wished him well and hoped it was not too serious because of his importance to not only France, but their club team Bayern Munich. As we now know Lucas was unfortunately ruled out of the World Cup with a ACL rupture.