Striker vows France will go all out to beat Ukraine tonight and qualify for World Cup 2014
France striker Olivier Giroud says his team are “ready to die” to ensure they qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Les Bleus are in a precarious position in their two-legged play-off fixture against Ukraine after losing 0-2 in Kiev on Friday.
Do or die: France’s Olivier Giroud reacts after missing a chance in the first leg play-off tie against Ukraine in Kiev on Friday. Pic/AFP
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Defender Laurent Koscielny was sent off in that defeat, making France’s task tougher as he will be suspended for today’s clash in Paris, but Giroud is confident his team can produce a stunning turnaround.
“We are ready to die on the field to get there,” he told reporters.u00a0“We want to show the French people and to ourselves that we are proud to represent France. We want to make all of those who love us and support us proud.
“I am offended (with the first-leg display). I want to redeem myself; like all my teammates, I guess.u00a0“They will give us exactly the same treatment on Tuesday. We won’t be surprised. They are going to hit us hard.
“We want to do better, to make history. It is a matter of pride. We’ll do it, I firmly believe. Today, I still can’t grasp the idea of France not going to Brazil.”
Giroud — who has scored eight goals in 18 appearances for Arsenal this season — has not enjoyed as much success with the national team.
But he is ready to up his game on an occasion that he acknowledges will be difficult.u00a0“We must find the right balance, to continue to play our game,” he added.
“This is not easy because there will be a lot of tension, a lot of stress. This is the game of the year.”u00a0
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