The French national football team's journey to the World Cup semi-finals was driven by the goals of Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, but the players believe that an equally important part of their success was forged away from the cameras, in hotel rooms and private conversations. Led by coach Didier Deschamps, 'Les Bleus' are preparing to face Spain on Tuesday, seeking to reach the World Cup final for the third consecutive time after developing a strong cohesion among their ranks.

Midfielder Adrien Rabiot and defender Jules Koundé say the impact of this goes far beyond tactical meetings and training sessions. The players analyze matches together in small groups and challenge each other to find solutions beyond those provided by Deschamps and his assistants.

Rabiot told reporters on Monday: 'We communicate a lot and talk among ourselves regularly. In the hotel, during our free time, we try to analyze matches together in small groups. This is important, it goes beyond everything the coach and his staff provide.' He added: 'We all speak the same language, we all have the same goal, and everyone is directing their energy toward it. What the technical staff provides is fundamental, but dialogue between players, without the intervention of the technical staff, is also important.'

This sense of shared responsibility has helped the French team combine the quality of its attacking line, which is among the most prominent in the tournament, with a collective defensive effort that begins with the forwards. Mbappé has scored eight goals and Dembélé has netted five, but Koundé said that France's performance without the ball was just as important as the individual skills of its players in possession.

He stated: 'We have done a good defensive job, but it goes far beyond the defenders. It is a collective effort, starting with the way we press from the opponent's first pass. When the job is done correctly up front and in midfield, it makes our task at the back much easier.'

The cohesion of the French team was evident in the willingness of its attacking players to track back, and in the discipline shown by the team in defense during difficult moments. The players emphasize that what happens on the pitch is an extension of the relationships built elsewhere.

Rabiot explained: 'We get along well. There is a real sense of harmony and genuine cohesion. It is hard to explain, but things are going very well off the pitch, and that energy is reflected on the pitch.'

Koundé described the group as one that enjoys playing together and makes sacrifices for one another: 'There has been a strong sense of cohesion from the beginning, even if we go back to 2022.' He added: 'There is continuity within this group. It has been built over time, and everyone is focused on the same goal. This is one of our strengths, and you can feel it on the pitch. We enjoy playing together and we also enjoy making the effort for each other.'