Sunderland’s French defender Younes Kaboul is looking forward to tonight’s Euro 2016 final as his home country come face to face with Portugal.
Kaboul watched France seal their berth in the Stade de France clash in his room at the club’s Austrian training camp, much to the disappointment of team mate Jan Kirchhoff.
And now the former Spurs man is hoping France can make it all the way and lift the trophy, not just for glory but to give the entire country a big lift.
“Obviously I’m cheering on France,” Kaboul explained. “But for me the game is important to the country to bring the community together and bring everyone happiness.
“This past year has been a difficult one in France, after what happened last year in Paris. It would mean a lot to the French if their team get the win and bring some warmth back into their hearts.”
Kaboul has also been captivated by the performances of Didier Deschamps’ side throughout the tournament and the approach they have had to each game.
“The team have been impressive,” he continued. “The manager has taken it step-by-step and the semi-final against Germany was crucial; the players dealt with that pressure very well and I think France won it very comfortably in the end.”
The 30-year-old also paid tribute to his former team mate Hugo Lloris, who he believes has been a huge influence as the French progressed to the final.
“In these types of competitions you need a big goalkeeper and France has that in Hugo Lloris. He has been terrific and he has helped them go all the way and I think he will have a key role in the final. He is also a very good friend of mine.
When asked about predicting a score Kaboul wasn’t too demanding and confessed he’d be delighted with any type of win but would dread the completion being decided from the spot.
“I’ll take one-nil – that will do me,” Kaboul admitted. “I definitely don’t want it to go to penalties.
“People might say Portugal have been lucky in the tournament, but still they have put in the work and they have made it to the final, that’s not an easy thing to do, but I still want a one-nil win!”