World Cup contenders France are waiting for star striker Antoine Griezmann to hit his stride as they aim to secure top spot in Group C against Denmark on Tuesday. Griezmann signed an extension with Atletico Madrid through to 2023 last week despite strong interest from Barcelona, but the 27-year-old has yet to find his best form in Russia.
While he scored from the penalty spot in an opening 2-1 win over Australia, his sluggish start to the tournament mirrors his early travails at Euro 2016 where Griezmann finished as top scorer. “I think he will get stronger, I hope he does. That was the case at the Euros, he started slowly and finished very strong. I’m not worried about him,” said Chelsea forward Olivier Giroud.
Griezmann scored six goals as France finished runners-up to Portugal at the European Championship, clicking into gear as the competition progressed and netting five times in the knockout stages. “He has had a long, gruelling season. He’s played a huge number of matches,” added Giroud, with Griezmann helping Atletico claim a third Europa League title. “When you have a bit less in your legs, it’s harder to be at ease on the pitch, but he’s still very important for us.”
Griezmann himself admitted there is room for improvement as France target a deep run at the World Cup. “I’m going to get better and I’m sure the level everyone expects, including myself, is going to come quickly,” he told French TV channel TF1.