France captain Hugo Lloris has spoken of the "intensity and level" of playing in the World Cup, claiming that the uncertainty of the knockout stage has spurred Les Bleus to play to the best of their abilities and "leave the pitch with no regrets".

The Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper has kept three clean sheets in four matches as France topped Group E before beating Nigeria 2-0 in the second round on Monday.

Lloris told the official Spurs website: "The intensity and level of every game is unbelievable.

"There is no difference between all the nations, every game is tight and to make the difference you have to be very strong in every part of the game - tactically, technically and mentally.

"The feeling is that every game could be the last one and that's why you have to give everything and leave the pitch with no regrets."

France take on Germany tomorrow at the Maracana in the tournament's first quarter-final game.