BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) A country shamed by mutinous footballers four years ago has fallen back in love with its national team as revamped France looks to stay on course for a shot at the World Cup title on Monday.
France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris says ''in recent matches, we have noticed a love rekindled with the team. We have done what we needed to do on the pitch to make them happy.''
While player discontentment over bonus payments has swirled around the Nigeria squad in Brazil, the atmosphere inside the French camp couldn't be more harmonious heading into their last-16 match against the African champions.
France coach Didier Deschamps says ''we have spent a lot of time together and the days are long ... but they are still smiling, they are happy to be here.''
