France's Tchouaméni Calls World Cup Clash with Norway a 'War'

French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has set a combative tone ahead of France's World Cup match against Norway on June 26, telling VG that the game will be a "war." The 26-year-old, who has 44 caps for France and 195 appearances for Real Madrid, is expected to be a key player in midfield alongside Kylian Mbappé.

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Norway is a big team, with players we all meet in the biggest leagues in the world. We know their attackers with Alexander Sørloth and Erling Haaland.

Tchouaméni acknowledged Norway as a formidable opponent, noting that their players compete in top leagues worldwide. He specifically mentioned forwards Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth, as well as midfielder Martin Ødegaard, as key threats. "We know it's not going to be an easy game," Tchouaméni stated, emphasizing the quality of the Norwegian squad.

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But also Ødegaard, there are other very good players on the Norwegian team. So we know that it is not going to be an easy game.

Reflecting on France's loss in the previous World Cup final four years ago, Tchouaméni expressed a heightened sense of hunger and determination within the team. "We know how it went for us in the last championship, so yes, we are even more hungry," he said. He conveyed strong confidence in the current squad, citing their hard work and belief in themselves since the start of their training camp. France will play a friendly match against Ivory Coast on Thursday before facing Norway in what could be a crucial group stage decider.

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I am looking forward to playing this second World Cup. We know how it went for us under the previous championship, so yes, we are even more hungry.