It was a somewhat fortuitous win for France against Croatia in the World Cup final on Sunday, with Les Bleus getting the rub of the green in the first half with two goals coming from dubious decisions.
Croatia dominated for long spells but were unable to make the most of their possession as France's defensive resolve wore them down in the end.
At half time, with the score at 2-1 to France, Didier Deschamps was tasked with rallying his troops following 45 minutes of intense Croatian pressure and the former World Cup winner was assured in his instructions to his players as this video from French broadcaster TF1 shows.
Did you see? They're using their elbows, their bodies... The guy facing away, he's facing away. Facing away from goal, he's not going to hurt us. Don't bother getting in front, we're controlling him.
What are they doing? They're mostly looking for, except for the diagonal from time to time, they're looking for Mandzukic straight away. Mandzukic heads it, chests it, or deviates it with his foot. Be careful around him. He can still win the ball with his head, just be careful around him.
Not to be static, to already be on the move. Close him down. Think about it. Do not make it harder for yourself. They come, they're aggressive. You'v e all seen the energy they're giving. Play as simple as possible. When you have the ball, if someone is on you, there's another one coming.
Give it. As soon as you can. Give it to Kylian.
Antoine, come down a bit during counters. You're staying up next to the attackers. We need you to be an option.
Play as simple as possible.
Deschamps instructions were clear, loud and probably most importantly simple, and it looks to have done the trick as France eventually ran out comfortable 4-2 winner in the Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday, with strikes from Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe sealing the win for his team.
