Deschamps: Ivory Coast defeat a timely World Cup reminder for France

Didier Deschamps believes France's defeat to Ivory Coast will serve as a reminder that they are not better than they think they are heading into the World Cup. 

France, who conclude their World Cup preparations against Northern Ireland on Monday, were beaten 2-1 by Ivory Coast despite taking the lead through Rayan Cherki. 

Guela Doue, the brother of Paris Saint-Germain and France star Desire, drew Ivory Coast level eight minutes into the second half after being slipped in by Nicolas Pepe. 

And the win was sealed six minutes from time by Amad Diallo, who brilliantly steered Doue's inviting cross into the box beyond Mike Maignan and into the bottom-left corner. 

The defeat marked France's first in a friendly between May and June before a major competition since losing 1-0 against China ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. 

Deschamps conceded his side lost control of the match after a strong first half, and warned France would face opponents with similar qualities when they head to the World Cup. 

"A defeat is never pleasant, even if we did some good things in the first half," Deschamps said. "In the second half we made a lot of changes, but that's no excuse.

"We were not as ‌good after the break, and they brought a lot of pace. We will face the same type of team on June 16."

Several PSG players, including Ousmane Dembele and Doue, were rested having taken part in the Champions League final last weekend, though Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery were introduced late on. 

Deschamps said the result could prove useful if it prevented his players from becoming complacent before the tournament and too reliant on individuals from the recently-crowned European champions. 

"It's a reminder, if we need one, not to think we're better than we are," Deschamps added. 

France finished with an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.88 despite having 15 shots, compared to Ivory Coast's 1.31 from their seven attempts, three of which were on target. 

Les Bleus still have to rectify their defeat against Northern Ireland before they open their Group I campaign against Senegal on June 16 at MetLife Stadium. 

However, Aurelien Tchouameni said the result should be viewed in the context of preparations rather than as a warning side, as France aim to win their third World Cup. 

"It's a pity to lose, but we're in a ⁠preparation phase, we stay confident," Tchouameni said.

"There is no conclusion to draw from this `game, even if we had won it. We will be ready." 

Lucas Hernandez also played down the significance of the defeat, adding: "We always want to win, but we're in a phase of preparation and there were a lot of substitutions."

But Cherki, who impressed in his bid for a starting spot at the World Cup, echoed the thoughts of Deschamps. 

"It's a little warning, and I ‌can tell you we're not going ​to the World Cup thinking we're favourites, but we're going to crush everyone," Cherki said. 

France also face Iraq, who drew with Spain in a friendly on Thursday, and Norway in their other group games.