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France goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris, is eager to captain his nation to two back-to-back World Cup titles, a feat that no other has achieved in the history of football.
The French netminder has already become his country’s most-capped player of all time after he overtook the legendary Lillian Thuram in appearances at the current World Cup in Qatar. Lloris now sits two caps ahead of Thuram with 144 appearances for France.
The France Goalkeeper’s Quest for History
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The 35-year old Tottenham Hotspur ‘keeper is also set to become the first international captain to win two consecutive World Cup finals if France retain their title on Sunday. After an already decent performance at this year’s World Cup, that feat would surely put Lloris in the pantheon of the players who have achieved massively at World Cups.
The star ‘keeper is already likely to feature in the team of the tournament, after making big saves in key games for France against England and then Morocco. However, he does face stiff competition in the shape of Argentina ‘keeper Emiliano Martinez, who saved twice in his side’s penalty shootout with the Netherlands. It could well come down to the ‘keeper who’s side secures fortune on Sunday gets the nod for the All-Star team.
If France do win, then Lloris would become the most decorated team captain and French player in World Cup history.
Media Criticism of the France ‘Keeper
Still, the Spurs goalie has been criticized quite often for some of his performances at this year’s tournament. In a recent press-conference, the skipper told the media he did not care about the criticisms he was receiving, from the English media in particular.
“I don’t have any message for their media. I prefer to do my talking on the pitch. We don’t need any extra motivation,” he told reporters in the lead up to France’s quarter-final with England.
After his nation emerged victorious with a 2-1 victory over the Three Lions, Lloris spoke to some English journalists in the mixed-zone press area, stating to them. “Now you want words.”
A France Legend in the Making
Still the first name on the team sheet for Antonio Conte’s Spurs side, Lloris has played 15 games in the English Premier League for his club so far this season, conceding 21 times. He has also lined out six times for Tottenham in the Champions League, conceding six times.
Lloris’ club are still well in the hunt for EPL glory as they sit in fourth position, eight points off Arsenal at the top but just three behind Man City in second, albeit with a game extra played. The veteran ‘keeper could lead his nation into the World Cup hall of fame should they beat Argentina on Sunday at the Lusail Stadium.
Only two teams have successfully defender their World titles in football history. Italy did it in 1938 after they won in 1934, bu the side had two different captains in each tournament. Brazil did it too when they defended their 1958 title in 1962.
Diego Maradona come close to leading his team to two consecutive World Cups. Maradona led Argentina to victory in 1986 but his side lost out in the next tournament in 1990.
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