Boston: France reaches World Cup semi-finals as Deschamps praises Mbappé
France advances to semi-finals
France secured their spot in the World Cup semi-finals after defeating Morocco 2-0 in a quarter-final match held on Thursday. This victory marks the third consecutive semi-final appearance for the French national team. Coach Didier Deschamps commended the mentality of his players following the win, acknowledging the consistent achievement of reaching this stage.
Deschamps attributed the team’s success to the players, while also suggesting his own role in their performance. He described the team’s journey as a shared human endeavour, emphasizing the importance of the human aspect alongside on-pitch performance. He noted that each situation presents unique conditions, and highlighted the significance of the national jersey to both himself and the team.
The match saw France dominate from the outset, though they initially missed several scoring opportunities. The deadlock was eventually broken by Kylian Mbappé, who scored a notable goal despite having missed an earlier penalty in the first half. Six minutes later, Ousmane Dembélé extended France’s lead, putting the game beyond doubt.
Deschamps acknowledged the challenges faced during the match, particularly the missed penalty and other chances. However, he praised Mbappé’s unwavering determination, stating that the captain “never hesitates,” even after a missed opportunity. Deschamps also addressed perceptions of Mbappé, asserting that despite some viewing him as self-centered, he is an “exemplary” captain.
Mbappé’s minor ankle discomfort
Kylian Mbappé was substituted with 13 minutes remaining in the match due to experiencing some “discomfort” in his ankle. Despite this, he is not expected to be a doubt for the upcoming semi-final. Television footage showed Mbappé on the bench with ice on his right foot. After the match, he was seen walking, smiling, and celebrating with his teammates on the pitch, indicating a positive outlook on his condition.
Mbappé himself downplayed the injury, describing it as a “minor ankle injury” and stating that he was “completely fine.” He explained that Jean-Philippe Mateta was in a better position to play the remaining minutes of the match and was fitter at that moment. Coach Deschamps also provided reassurance, confirming that Mbappé had a “slight pain in his ankle, but nothing serious.”
This incident occurred after Mbappé had scored his goal, which leveled him with Lionel Messi’s eight goals in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot. Earlier in the first half, Mbappé had won a penalty after being fouled by Morocco’s Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Another player, midfielder Manu Koné, was also withdrawn from the game due to “a blow to the knee” and “some cramps.”
Morocco’s coach reflects on the match
Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, acknowledged the difference in quality between his team and France. He noted that France eventually entered a “comfort zone” during the match. Ouahbi considered making substitutions earlier in the first half but decided to delay them. He observed that Morocco gained more control early in the second half and expressed curiosity about how France would have reacted if they hadn’t scored.
Ouahbi recognized France as a “great team” with “excellent players” and “very talented forwards” who demonstrate significant effort. He highlighted their ability to avoid frustration and their strong desire to succeed. He also pointed out France’s consistent strength, having reached the last two World Cup finals, and their solid, transition-oriented play.
Prior to the game, Ouahbi had emphasized that Morocco should not be content with merely reaching the quarter-finals, despite being the first African team to achieve two quarter-final appearances. He urged a measured response, advising against panic and focusing on areas for improvement. Ouahbi expressed optimism about Morocco’s future, citing a strong group of young players, a supportive federation, and significant investment from their king. He also suggested the possibility of challenging France at the World Cup in four years.
France will now prepare for their semi-final match against either Spain or Belgium, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14.
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Source: theguardian.com
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
