Lilian Thuram will forever remain the improbable savior of July 8, 1998. While the Blues found themselves trailing after returning from the locker room on a goal from Davor Suker, the French defender appeared out of nowhere to score an incredible double in barely twenty. His only two goals with the France team in 142 caps.
When celebrating his second goal, the Guadeloupean clearly showed his disbelief. A shock shared by his teammates. This is evidenced by the anecdote delivered by Jacques Vendroux in the columns of the Journal du Dimanche when paying homage to the “Lords of France 98”.
Youri Djorkaeff mercilessly for Lilian Thuram
While Youri Djorkaeff and Robert Pirès were discussing the morning of the clash against Croatia in the semi-final of the 1998 World Cup, Lilian Thuram wanted to know the subject of their discussions. And the “Snake” returned it to its 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 would score a double.
However, Lilian Thuram would remain measured when celebrating her feat after the victory of the Blues. Because the native of Pointe-à-Pitre already saw further. The exchange he had with Bernard Diomède, who shared his room at Clairefontaine, is the best illustration of this. “Damn, it’s magical, we’re in the final!” And you scored two goals! Enjoy, savor »the former Auxerrois had told him. But Lilian Thuram already had her mind set for the clash against Brazil. “We’re in the final, ok. We are not yet world champions. I’m already in the final. Let me sleep, we haven’t done anything yet. »
