Hero of the 1998 World Cup semi-final, Lilian Thuram did not really have the confidence of his teammates.
Lilian Thuram will forever remain the improbable Savior of July 8, 1998. While the Blues had found themselves returning to the locker room on a goal from Davor Suker, the tricolor defender had emerged from nowhere to register an incredible double in barely twenty. His only two goals with the French team in 142 selections.
When celebrating his second goal, the Guadeloupe had clearly revealed his disbelief. A stupor shared by his teammates. This is evidenced by the anecdote delivered the last automate by Jacques Vendroux in the columns of the Journal du Dimanche when paying tribute to the “Lords of France 98”.
While Youri Djorkaeff and Robert Pirès discussed the shock in the morning against Croatia in the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup, Lilian Thuram wanted to know the subject of their exchanges. And the “snake” to send him back in his 22 meters by launching: “It doesn’t concern you, because we’re talking about how to celebrate a goal. But you never score. »» However, a few hours later, it was the former Monegasque who was going to write a double.
Lilian Thuram already turned to the final
However, Lilian Thuram was going to remain measured when he celebrates his feat after the Blues’ victory. Because the native of Pointe-à-Pitre already saw further. The exchange he had with Bernard Diomède, who shared his room in Clairefontaine, is the best illustration.
“Damn, it’s magic, we’re in the final!” And you put two goals! Enjoy, savor ”, had launched the former Auxerrois. But Lilian Thuram already had the head of the shock against Brazil. “We’re in the final, ok. We are not yet world champion. I am already in the final. Let me sleep, we haven’t done anything yet. »»
