"There are still people out there who will criticise him but he is an extraordinary player. Not everything came off for him, but he can win games in one moment," Deschamps said of the Real Madrid superstar.

France shook themselves awake after a sleepy first half on Tuesday to beat Senegal 3-1 in the New York/New Jersey Stadium for a perfect start to their World Cup campaign.

World Cup favourites France face a tricky Group I opener against Senegal in New Jersey tonight, with memories of one of the biggest upsets in tournament history hanging heavily over the contest.