Brazil 2014: "While often maligned, football brings people together" (Noël Le Graët, FFF)

"It is very good that football, in spite of being so often maligned, brings people together. The 17m French viewers and the extraordinary excitement show that people want to be united around a common goal and that there is national pride in the good sense," said Noël Le Graët, president of the FFF (French Football Federation), on 22/06/2014 at Ribeirao Preto (BRA).

"In the Federation, we budgeted for a quarterfinal; we were a little optimistic. There will be no serious financial consequences if this is not the case, but this goal seemed suited to our management, even though it is a bit of a dream. We'll see ..." said Graët, speaking at a press conference two days after the 5-2 victory of France against Switzerland, which was on 20/06/2014.

"So there may be a little bit of excess, but frankly, so what? People are happy and I share their happiness," he said.

France will face Ecuador on 25/06/2014 at Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro. The team leads Group E with six points acquired over two matches.

Graët also announced that Pierre Mankowski will succeed Willy Sagnol as the manager…