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☆ France held to 2-2 draw as Greece spoil flawless qualifying campaign
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ATHENS, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Greece came from a goal down to hold France to a 2-2 draw in their final Euro 2024 qualifier in Group B on Tuesday, denying Didier Deschamps' side a perfect record in their qualifying campaign. Randal Kolo Muani scored just before halftime before Greece levelled in the 56th minute through Anastasios Bakasetas and Fotis Ioannidis gave the hosts the lead five minutes later. Deschamps made eight changes to his starting lineup with Theo Hernandez, Adrien Rabiot and Antoine Griezmann the only players who started on Saturday when they demolished 10-man Gibraltar 14-0 in a record Euro qualifying win. Greece, Euro 2004 champions, levelled in the 56th minute through midfielder Anastasios Bakasetas, who struck with a volley from outside the box, and Fotis Ioannidis gave Greece the lead five minutes later. France substitute Kylian Mbappe, who ended the qualifying campaign with nine goals, had a last-gasp chance to seal the win but hit the bar deep into stoppage time.

Persons: Didier Deschamps, Randal Kolo Muani, Fotis Ioannidis, Youssouf Fofana, Les Bleus, Deschamps, Theo Hernandez, Adrien Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann, Griezmann, Olivier Giroud teed, Kolo Muani, Anastasios Bakasetas, Fofana, Kingsley Coman, Kylian Mbappe, Anita Kobylinska, Toby Davis Organizations: France, Thomson Locations: ATHENS, Greece, France, Netherlands, Gibraltar, Gdansk

☆ Atletico fight back to draw thriller with Celtic
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

GLASGOW, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid battled back twice to draw 2-2 at Celtic in a thrilling Champions League Group E clash on Wednesday in which the Spanish side played the last few minutes with 10 men. Feyenoord took over top spot in the standings on six points after a 3-1 win at Lazio earlier on Wednesday and the draw left Atletico second on five points, one clear of Italy's Lazio in third. Celtic are bottom with one point from three games. With 11 men it would have been different, but at least we leave with a point," Atletico defender Mario Hermoso told Movistar Plus. These are things that happen in football and we hope to do well when we see them at our home."

Persons: Furuhashi, Antoine Griezmann, Joe Hart, Griezmann, Nahuel Molina, Luis Palma, Celtic's, Alvaro Morata, Hart, Rodrigo de Paul, Paulo Bernardo, De Paul, Mario Hermoso, Fernando Kallas, Ed Osmond Organizations: GLASGOW, Atletico Madrid, Celtic, Feyenoord, Lazio, Atletico, Frenchman, Movistar, Thomson Locations: Spanish, Celtic, Madrid

☆ Atletico Madrid fight back to win five-goal thriller against Feyenoord
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MADRID, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Alvaro Morata scored a brace to help Atletico Madrid fight back and secure a frantic 3-2 win over Feyenoord in their Champions League Group E clash on Wednesday, with goalkeeper Jan Oblak putting in a superb second-half performance for the hosts. The hosts hit back five minutes later with Morata striking a rebound from inside the box. "This is the Champions League, there is no win without suffering and we know how to endure suffering," Morata told Movistar Plus. Atletico top Group E with four points from two games, one ahead of Feyenoord in second. Lazio, who are third on one point, face Celtic, who have no points, later on Wednesday.

Persons: Alvaro Morata, Jan Oblak, Mario Hermoso, Ueda, David Hancko's, Trauner, Antoine Griezmann, Morata, Nahuel Molina, Paixao, Fernando Kallas, Pritha Sarkar, Toby Davis Organizations: Atletico Madrid, Feyenoord, Champions League, Atletico, Movistar, Lazio, Celtic, Thomson Locations: MADRID

☆ Real Madrid dominated by local rival Atlético Madrid in 3-1 derby loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —It was derby day delight for Atlético Madrid, which shocked arch-rival Real Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium in a comprehensive 3-1 victory. “I could have done better, maybe, that’s quite clear,” Ancelotti said after the match, according to Real Madrid. Half-time’s frustration quickly led way to second half blues as Atlético started the second 45 minutes even quicker than the first. Another ball in from the left, another header and another goal – Madrid had been rocked by the Colchoneros’ aerial threat. “The team wasn’t compact, especially in the first half and Atlético capitalized on that.

Persons: Atlético, Álvaro Morata, Antoine Griezmann, Toni Kroos, Morata, Jude Bellingham, Carlo Ancelotti, Luka Modrić, Rodrygo, “, ” Ancelotti, I’ve, it’s, Ancelotti, Oscar del Pozo, Samuel Lino, Federico Valverde, David Alaba, Chelsea loanee Kepa, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, Ñíguez, Frenchman, Diego Simeone’s, Kroos, Jan Oblak, Kepa, Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Antonio Rüdiger, cynically, José María, – Madrid, Jose Breton, ” Organizations: CNN, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Metropolitano, Los, La Liga, –, Bellingham, “, Getty, Chelsea, Madrid, Spanish national, Girona, Barcelona Locations: Madrid, Real Madrid, AFP, ” Madrid

☆ Germany shocks France in first game without Hansi Flick as new era dawns ahead of home Euros
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Flick was appointed head coach in August 2021, succeeding Joachim Löw after Germany’s disappointing early exit from the delayed 2020 European Championship. Germany won just four of its last 16 matches while the head coach was in charge – a streak stretching back to March 2022. In the former Bayern Munich coach’s first major tournament, Germany was surprisingliy eliminated in the group stages at the 2022 World Cup. Germany lost to Japan at the 2022 World Cup and also were beaten by them in Hansi Flick's last game in charge. “The Japan game clearly showed us that we couldn’t carry on like this,” Völler’s statement read.

Persons: Thomas Müller, Leroy Sané, Kai, Antoine Griezmann’s, Hansi Flick, Rudi Völler, Flick, Joachim Löw, surprisingliy, Matthias Schrader, Bernd Neuendorf, ” Neuendorf, Völler, “, Wolfgang Rattay, Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, David Inderlied, Müller, Sané, Serge Gnabry Organizations: CNN, France, Tuesay, Germany, German Football Association, DFB, Bayern Munich coach’s, Costa Rica, Japan, European, “ Sporting, ”, Reuters, Bayern, German, AP Locations: Dortmund, France, Germany, Japan, Qatar, Spain

☆ Voeller's Germany snap losing run with 2-1 win over France
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DORTMUND, Germany, Sept 12 (Reuters) - Euro 2024 hosts Germany beat France 2-1 in their international friendly on Tuesday to snap a three-game losing streak and regain some confidence following a bad run which led to the sacking of coach Hansi Flick on Sunday. We should not read too much into this win but for us it was a small emotional release." "It is important for the players, the federation to play like that, especially in the first half it was a top performance," Voeller said. It just feels good especially after the recent defeats," added Voeller, a 1990 World Cup winner who coached Germany from 2000-2004. Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Ken Ferris and Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Hansi Flick, Thomas Mueller, Leroy Sane, Rudi Voeller, Kylian Mbappe, Mueller, Rudi, Randal Kolo Muani, Marc Andre ter Stegen, Antoine Griezmann, Sane, Marcus Thuram, Voeller, Karolos Grohmann, Ken Ferris, Clare Fallon Organizations: France, Germany, Thomson Locations: DORTMUND, Germany, France, Japan

☆ Depay rocket helps Atletico to 3-1 LaLiga win over Granada
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MADRID, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid striker Memphis Depay scored with a stunning long-range strike in the second half to help secure a 3-1 home win over promoted Granada in their LaLiga opener on Monday. Alvaro Morata gave Atletico a first-half lead and Marcos Llorente put the icing on the cake with a late third against last season's LaLiga2 champions. Atletico were again on top in the second half and substitute Depay wasted a golden opportunity on the hour mark, sending his close-range shot wide. However, five minutes later substitute Depay put Atletico in front again when he unleashed an unstoppable rocket shot from distance that flew into the top left-hand corner of the net. The one negative for Atletico was that they lost captain Koke with a leg muscle injury early in the first half.

Persons: Atletico Madrid striker Memphis Depay, Alvaro Morata, Marcos Llorente, Antoine Griezmann, Yannick Carrasco, Rodrigo De Paul, Morata, Jesus Vallejo, Depay, Samuel Omorodion, Carrasco miscontrolled, Gonzalo Villar, Andre Ferreira, Diego Simeone, I'm, Koke, Fernando Kallas, Ken Ferris Organizations: Atletico Madrid striker Memphis, Granada, Atletico, Metropolitano, Movistar, Memphis, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Granada, Morata, Memphis

☆ People are talking about this viral World Cup ad that uses deceptive editing in all the right ways
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-22 | by ( Kylie Kirschner | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A French ad for the upcoming Women's World Cup went viral recently for its tricky use of digital editing. The ad uses VFX techniques to make the women's team look like men. The real footage is revealed, showing Sakina Karchaoui, Selma Bacha, Amandine Henry, and other leading players on the French women's team. The Women's World Cup also hasn't been around as long: the Men's World Cup was founded in 1930, while the Women's was founded in 1991. The French team is scheduled for their first match on July 23, against Jamaica.

Persons: Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus, it's, Les, Sakina Karchaoui, Selma Bacha, Amandine Henry, hasn't, Marcel Organizations: Morning, Orange, French men's, women's, French, YouTube Locations: French, France, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica

☆ Viral women’s soccer ad uses doctored footage to prove a point
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Jennifer Korn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —One French company is using visual effects editing to promote the Women’s World Cup, putting out a now-viral video showing the French men’s soccer team playing at their best — until it is revealed that the footage is actually of the French women’s team. What first looks like Griezmann evading a defender dribbling down the field is actually a graphic overlay of Sakina Karchaoui, a professional player on the French women’s national team. The second half of the ad shows the original footage — with France’s top female soccer players owning the field. The ad was posted in June, ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place across Australia and New Zealand. Soccer players at the 2023 Women’s World Cup will on average earn just 25 cents for every dollar earned by men at their World Cup last year, a new CNN analysis found.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Sakina, Marcel, ’, Gianni Infantino, Women’s Soccer Australia Heather Reid, Orange, ”, “, Craig Foster Organizations: New, New York CNN, French, Orange, French women’s, French women's, “, women’s, FIFA, CNN, Soccer, FIFPRO, Women’s Soccer Australia, CNN Sport, Football, Sport Locations: New York, Orange, Australia, New Zealand, Australian

☆ Kylian Mbappé scores French record 54th goal of the season
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-20 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Kylian Mbappé scored his 54th goal of the season for club and country in France’s 1-0 win over Greece in Euro 2024 qualifying, setting a new French goalscoring record. The previous record was 53 goals in a single season set by the late striker Just Fontaine during the 1957-58 campaign. Mbappé scored the winning goal from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the second half after Antoine Griezmann was fouled by Konstantinos Mavropanos, maintaining France’s perfect qualifying record with four wins from four matches. “The only regret I have is to not be able to play safe because we had chances to score the second goal,” France head coach Didier Deschamps told uefa.com. France, yet to concede a goal in qualifying, continues its campaign against the Republic of Ireland at the Parc des Princes in September.

Persons: Kylian Mbappé, Just Fontaine, Germain, Erling Haaland’s, Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Mavropanos, Randal Kolo Muani, ”, Didier Deschamps, “, Olivier Giroud’s, Les, Harry Kane, England’s, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Kalvin Phillips Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, Manchester City, don’t, France, Les Bleus, Parc des Princes, Three Lions, Arsenal, Bukayo Locations: Greece, Paris, Norway, Cyprus, ” France, Germany, France, Republic of Ireland, Parc des, England, North Macedonia, Ukraine

☆ Record-breaker Mbappe leads France to 1-0 win over Greece
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The result left France top with 12 points, six ahead of second-placed Greece, who had Konstantinos Mavropanos sent off in the 69th minute after Mbappe's 55th minute spot kick. "We wanted to follow up on our win against Gibraltar, in front of our crowd," said midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, referring to France's 3-0 win on Friday. It came after earlier opportunities for Mbappe and Kingsley Coman but the offensive trio hit a brick wall. Vlachodimos parried Mbappe's spot kick but it had to be taken again as the keeper had left his goal line too early. After Saturday's win over Gibraltar, France have now scored nine goals and kept clean sheets in all four qualifying games.

Persons: Kylian Mbappe, Mbappe, Just Fontaine, Erling Haaland, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Didier Deschamps, Eduardo Camavinga, Randal Kolo Muani, Kingsley Coman, Les Bleus, Jules Kounde's, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Antoine Griezmann, Greece's, Mavropanos, Kolo Muani, Saturday's, Julien Pretot, Clare Fallon, Ken Ferris Organizations: Greece, St Germain, Manchester City, Gibraltar, Mbappe, Thomson Locations: France, Norway, Cyprus, Greece, Gibraltar, Ireland, Netherlands

☆ Prescient bets by the likes of Shaquille O'Neal and Serena Williams have triggered an explosion in tech investing among Europe's sports stars
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Callum Burroughs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

European sports stars are following US counterparts, such as Shaquille O'Neal, in betting on tech. O'Neal, who also made early bets on Google and Lyft, has shown how sports stars can become successful venture capitalists once their playing careers end. He's not alone in the US, with the football star Tom Brady and the basketball stars LeBron James and Steph Curry all actively investing in tech. The tennis legend Serena Williams went a step further and set up her own fund, Serena Ventures. Shaquille O'Neal has proven to be a shrewd tech investor with early bets on Ring, Google, and Lyft.

☆ Barcelona scrapes by Atlético Madrid 1-0 to remain in firm control of La Liga title race
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —FC Barcelona scraped by Atlético Madrid 1-0 at the Camp Nou to extend its lead at the top of La Liga over eternal rival Real Madrid to 11 points. Ferrán Torres’ goal in the 44th minute made the difference, ensuring Atlético continued its 17-year winless drought – with 8 draws and 15 losses – at the Camp Nou. Antoine Griezmann was Atlético's main offensive threat, but he was thwarted by the crossbar and Marc-André ter Stegen twice. Just when Barça’s domination of possession in the first half seemed to be fruitless, the first goal materialized near the stroke of half-time. The win means Barcelona remains in firm control in the La Liga title race with eight matches remaining and an 11-point lead ahead of Real Madrid.

☆ France already firing on all cylinders as new chapter begins
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Mbappe also set up Antoine Griezmann for the opening goal, soothing the Atletico Madrid player's disappointment after he was only named vice-captain. Eduardo Camavinga added: "His attitude hasn't changed, he's still the same, we're very happy that he scored that double. Deschamps wasted no time in installing Konate and Upamecano, 23 and 24 respectively, in central defence. France next face Ireland in Dublin on Monday. Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Atletico Madrid held to 1-1 draw by Almeria
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 15 (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid were held to 1-1 draw by Almeria in LaLiga on Sunday in another disappointing showing for Diego Simeone's team who ended the match with 10 men after Sergio Reguilon was sent off in the dying minutes. Atletico, who have won only one of their last six LaLiga games, are fourth in the standings on 28 points, level with Villarreal and Real Betis. Almeria were arguably the better side for most of the match and climbed to 13th, three points clear of the relegation zone. Atletico started well and Angel Correa gave them the lead in the 18th minute. Toure almost gave Almeria the lead early in the second half but his close-range shot was blocked by a defender near the goalline.

☆ French hearts are broken but future looks bright
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Mbappe, who turns 24 on Tuesday, netted all three French goals, taking his tally from two World Cups to 12. "Potentially, this France team has an important reservoir of talents," said Deschamps. "We'll always need experienced team leaders to groom the young players but the reservoir is big." "Some players have been in the Euro 2016 final, won the 2018 World Cup, they bring their experience. "We have to keep this France team at this level, with the best players on the world and European stage."

☆ Analysis: Drama specialists Argentina deserve their World Cup title
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy alongside teammates as they celebrate after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Sunday's World Cup final turned from a one-sided affair into a nerve-racking vintage showdown and it was somehow fitting that footballing diva Argentina prevailed over France amid the drama. "Argentina have been playing a World Cup final, not us," Deschamps said at halftime. The whole Argentina bench ran onto the pitch like headless chicken, but it was somehow not enough drama for a night to remember. France have conceded all the last 14 penalties against them in shootouts, with the last person to miss Luigi Di Biagio in the 1998 World Cup quarter-final. After France's shootout defeats in the Euro 2021 last 16 and 2006 World Cup final, it was a coherent end to a logic-defying final.

☆ Stopping the stars won't be enough to win World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

DOHA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Despite the high profile performances of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in Qatar, Argentina and France can create danger all over the pitch, so stopping the superstars is only one battle in Sunday's World Cup final war. England were quick to double-team Mbappe whenever he picked up the ball and Argentina, probably through Nahuel Molina and Rodrigo De Paul, will try to do the same. Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot have both been excellent in Doha, with the latter expected to return after missing the semi-final through illness. As hundreds of opponents before them can attest, there is no real way to plan to keep him quiet. In general, the two attacks look stronger than the two defences, which, for the neutral at least, is always a good thing in a World Cup final.

☆ Messi's 'Maradona moment' faces formidable French final hurdle
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

They really found their rhythm against Croatia, sweeping aside a team who had just knocked out Brazil, to march into the final on high. France looked the best side in the tournament in their first two group games and recovered from the Tunisia blip to turn on the style in beating Poland 3-1. The final will mark his 26th World Cup appearance, more than any other player, as the stars are seemingly aligning for the mini-maestro. Having lost to Germany in the 2014 final, Argentina are seeking a third triumph to follow 1978 and '86 but France are the team of the moment. Reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Key match-ups in World Cup final between Argentina and France
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Semi Final - Argentina v Croatia - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 13, 2022 Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrates scoring their second goal with Lionel Messi and Nahuel Molina REUTERS/Carl RecineDOHA, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Argentina and France meet in Sunday's World Cup final at Lusail Stadium. Here are three of the key match-ups that are likely to have a strong bearing on the result:Kylian Mbappe v Nahuel MolinaMbappe is a candidate for the World Cup's player of the tournament, having led France to their second consecutive final. The jet-heeled 23-year-old forward has scored five times in six games, surpassing his tally from the 2018 tournament, and has now scored nine World Cup goals in 13 appearances across the two editions. Molina arrived at the World Cup having faced criticism after struggling in his first season with Atletico Madrid, but he has been solid during the tournament and started every match. Lionel Messi v Aurelien TchouameniOne of the most anticipated match-ups will be Argentina great Messi against France's rising star holding-midfielder Tchouameni.

☆ France and Argentina bring multiple plot lines to mouthwatering World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Standing in Messi’s way is his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappé, as France seeks to win back-to-back World Cup trophies. After a shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in its opening group game, Argentina’s World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start. When asked whether Sunday’s game will be his last at a World Cup, Messi replied: “Yes. Like Griezmann, the 36-year-old Giroud has had a renaissance in this World Cup, after failing to score a single goal in 2018. We’ll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup.”

☆ Mental strength, moments of brilliance - how France reached the World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

GROUP STAGE MATCH 2: FRANCE 2-1 DENMARKHaving lost their last two games against Denmark in June and September, France were facing their first real test of the tournament. LAST 16: FRANCE 3-1 POLANDAfter France went through a brief rough patch, Giroud opened the scoring to become France's all-time top scorer on 52 goals - moving one ahead of Thierry Henry. They went ahead thanks to a 25-metre Aurelien Tchouameni strike, but cracked early in the second half with Harry Kane converting a penalty after a Tchouameni foul. They went ahead on five minutes thanks to Theo Hernandez's high-hooked volley, forcing their opponents to take the initiative. France will play Argentina, who are also looking to win the World Cup for the third time, in Sunday's final at the Lusail Stadium.

☆ Defending champion France ends Morocco’s Qatar 2022 dream and reaches fourth World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Defending champion France ended Morocco’s 2022 World Cup dream on Wednesday thanks to a 2-0 victory at the Al Bayt Stadium. France is the first defending World Cup champion to reach the final in two decades. Lionel Messi and Argentina now await as France seeks to win back-to-back World Cup titles. They deserve a lot of credit for this World Cup. We’ll enjoy it now and get ready for the last match of this World Cup.”

☆ France stand firm to overpower gallant Morocco
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"There's emotion, there's pride, there's going to be a final step, we've been together with the players for a month, it's never easy, there's happiness so far," said coach Didier Deschamps. France found themselves in an absorbing battle as Morocco showed them no deference and made many chances of their own, coming close to an equaliser. The world champions’ defence had to scramble several times, including a late goalline clearance and Morocco struck the post with a spectacular bicycle effort. France swept forward and converted their first chance through Hernandez to put their opponents on the back foot. NO FAIRYTALEWhile there was to be no fairytale continuation of their unprecedented run to the last four, Morocco exited with their heads held high.

☆ France favourites but Morocco eye another knockout punch
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Mark Gleeson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The match against former colonial power France will take on an added edge. Morocco's exploits in Qatar have provided an outlet for marginalised migrant communities in France, who have been out on the streets celebrating their wins. After finishing top of a group that also included Croatia, Belgium and Canada, Morocco then knocked off the fancied Spaniards and Portuguese to reach the semis. France are expected to attack, Morocco resist. When you watch Rocky, you want to support Rocky Balboa and I think we are the Rocky of this World Cup.

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