Didier Deschamps, the coach of France, anticipates a challenging match against Morocco in the semifinal, claiming that the North African nation deserved to advance in the World Cup after their historic run in the competition.
The current champions, led by Deschamps, will play the Atlas Lions in the second semifinal on Wednesday at the Al Bayt Stadium in an effort to win back-to-back championships for the first time since Brazil successfully defended their World Cup title 60 years ago.
Morocco have been on a dream journey in Qatar shocking Spain and Portugal in the knockout stages to become the first Afro-Arab side to reach the World Cup semi-finals. The Walid Regragui’s team also topped a group that comprised second-ranked Belgium and 2018 runners-up Croatia, and have conceded only one goal in the tournament so far.
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“They weren’t among the teams we were expecting there. But it is not a surprise when we see teams they were up against. They’ve conceded one goal in five games so they deserve to be there,” said Deschamps.
Deschamps, who won World Cup both as a player and as a coach with France, said Morocco “deserve all our respect and recognition”.
“Congratulations to Morocco, to Walid Regragui and his staff. On Wednesday they will think like us: to reach the final. We will make serious preparation for the match,” he added.
France coach Didier Deschamps celebrates after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter-final match against England as France progress to the semi-finals at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor on December 10, 2022. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
France came through a tough quarter-final against England, who lost 2-1 after captain Harry Kane failed to equalise missing an 84th minute penalty after succeeding in his 54th minute spot kick.
“There is quality in this team, but there is also a good mentality and a state of mind,” he said.
“We gave them a little ammunition with two penalties, but it is with hearts and guts that we held onto this result.”
“It was a big game, we played a superb England team who are strong technically and physically,” he added.
France struggled for long spells against England with the Three Lions having more possession as they took double shots on target than the Les Bleus.
Veteran forward Olivier Giroud, who scored the winning goal in 78th minute, said the match reminded him of a 1-0 win in the semi-final against Belgium at 2018 World Cup in Russia.
“We did really well in defence. This match reminds me of the Belgium game, even if the scenario is a bit different because England came back and believed in their chances and pushed forward,” Giroud said.
“We showed superb spirit and worked so hard for each other. It is the same spirit as in 2018 and I hope we go as far as possible because this group is capable of great things.”
“It was a very big game, we knew the potential of England. We gave a very solid performance and we tried to be hard-hitting on the counter-attack. We went to look for it in the mind. I’m super proud of this team. I hope it will go as far as possible,” said the 36-year-old.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes said Morocco were deserving semi-finalists after a 1-0 win against his team in the quarter-final, with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring the winning goal.
It’s challenging to put all we felt after the game in a few words, Fernandes remarked on Twitter. “When we tried everything to change the outcome, our dream crumbled.
“Despite being eliminated, I am extremely pleased to be Portuguese and even more so of everyone who participated in this World Cup as a representative of their country alongside me.
“I would like to congratulate the Moroccan squad for the fantastic game and for earning a spot in the World Cup semifinals.”
