World Cup 2010

I’m Delighted That I Could Help France Beat Ireland – Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris

Lloris hopes that the adversity Raymond Domenech's side had to endure in Paris on Wednesday night will help them become a better side...

Nov 19, 2009 3:06:36 PM

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Hugo Lloris (France)

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Hugo Lloris

In what was a rather unseemly performance from France in eliminating Ireland from the World Cup play-offs, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was one of the few players to really shine, but he has remained modest regarding his part in les Bleus’ controversial 2-1 aggregate success.

The Olympique Lyonnais glovesman made a handful of decisive saves in the first leg on Saturday, and though Robbie Keane would eventually beat him at the Stade de France, he remained an impressive barrier between the sticks for his nation.

“It's great for me to have had the chance to play these two games,” he told the press, according to Ligue 1’s official website. “I'm immensely proud to represent my country. Not everybody gets to play in a World Cup and it's a dream for any player.

“They say great teams are born in moments of difficulty and hopefully that will be the case with us. The Irish didn't give up until the final whistle but at the end of the day what counts is that France were able to play with spirit to obtain the necessary result.”

Hailed by Manchester City custodian Shay Given after the match, the 22-year-old was delighted to hear of such praise.

“Coming from Shay Given, who has an immense reputation in England and has had a great career, well that can only make me happy,” he smiled. “It also gives me the desire to keep working hard to play more big matches. And I've got some big matches coming up with Lyon in the Champions League.”

William Gallas’ goal, which proved the extra-time tie-winner, has already gone down in footballing infamy, with Thierry Henry controlling the ball with his hand in the build-up to the goal.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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