New Jersey, June 30 -- Ahead of his side's FIFA World Cup round of 32 match against Sweden, France coach Didier Deschamps spoke on blocking out the noise regarding his team's status as tournament favourites and being able to hold nerves despite their being "no second chances".

France has won all three of their group stage games (9 points) for the first time since the 1998 FIFA World Cup, which they went on to win. An excellent attack led by captain Kylian Mbappe and 2025 Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele, and all-round excellence displayed by the two-time champions have made them favourites to add a third star on their jersey.

"Even before the tournament, we were among the favourites. Based on how we have played in our three matches [t...