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☆ Sizzling France down New Zealand in thrilling World Cup opener
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The All Blacks, beaten for the first time in 32 World Cup pool games, had two Mark Telea tries and a sole penalty by Richie Mo'unga to show for themselves. "We felt there was a lot of pressure in the first half, it took, us time to relax and they scored quickly and easily. Sixteen years after losing their opening World Cup game as hosts against Argentina, France rose to the occasion, beating the All Blacks for the second time in a row. New Zealand were on the brink of the line again and surprisingly opted for the kick when France were penalised. France started the second half with a more playful mindset but were punished right away for their defensive nonchalance.

Persons: Ramos, Les Bleus, Damian Penaud, Melvyn Jaminet, Thomas Ramos, Mark Telea, Richie Mo'unga, Romain Ntamack, Paul Willemse, Jonathan Danty, Julien Marchand, It's, Fabien Galthie, Ian Foster's, Foster, Emmanuel Macron, Sam Cane, Tupou Vaa'i, Dalton Papali'i, Cane, Beauden Barrett, Marchand, Mo'unga, Ioane, Matthieu Jalibert, Ardie, Willie Jordan, Jaminet, Julien Pretot, Nick Mulvenney, Toby Davis, Ken Ferris Organizations: Blacks, Rugby, New Zealand, Stade de France, New, Argentina, South, France, All Blacks, Thomson Locations: France, Uruguay, Lille, New Zealand, Namibia, Toulouse, South Africa, New

☆ 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

☆ Mbappe looking to reach new heights with ambitious France
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DUBLIN, March 26 (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappe's rise continued as France started their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 4-0 win against the Netherlands and the forward will be looking to reach new heights as Les Bleus face Ireland away in Group B on Monday. Mbappe has scored 38 goals for France and sits in fifth place overall in the list of the country's top scorers, three shy of former great Michel Platini and 15 behind all-time leader Olivier Giroud. Mbappe netted a double at the Stade de France last Friday as France crushed the Netherlands in seemingly casual, yet brutal fashion. "We want to show we can be a great team, that's the identity of this generation - this desire for greatness, a lot of players have that," said the 24-year-old Mbappe. To do that, France will rely on their pair of centre backs after Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate proved unbreakable last Friday.

☆ 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.

☆ France still on track for home World Cup despite losing Six Nations title
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PARIS, March 19 (Reuters) - France surrendered their Six Nations title on Saturday but over the last four years they have rediscovered their brilliance and less than six months before hosting the World Cup Les Bleus know they have a credible shot at claiming the crown. "We started the tournament in unremarkable fashion," said Galthie as he drew his conclusions on his fourth Six Nations in charge of France. "We're the best attack of the tournament," said Galthie, whose team have not finished below second place in the Six Nations in four editions. I don't know if we're the team to beat (for the World Cup), but I certainly hope that the other teams fear us." "We gave Wales a couple of soft tries so we need to be more consistent and more rigorous for 80 minutes."

Pelé's loved ones rushed to his bedside in Brazil on Wednesday, as the cancer-stricken soccer icon's condition appeared to worsen. Kely Nascimento, one of his daughters, said Pelé will stay in the hospital during Christmas with his family. Pelé is the sport's most famous player, having led Brazil to World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970. France fell in penalties to Argentina in the World Cup final Sunday in Qatar as Les Bleus fell just short of winning back-to-back titles, a feat not accomplished since Pelé's 1962 side. Pelé scored 77 goals for his national team, a high career mark that was recently tied by Neymar at this recently concluded World Cup.

☆ World Cup final preview
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWorld Cup final preview"Allez Les Bleus"? CNBC's Joumanna Bercetche tells us why her wearing blue while at the Conference de Paris means everything but her support for the French team.

☆ 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.

Theo Hernández and Randal Kolo Muani scored as France defeated underdog Morocco, 2-0, in Qatar on Wednesday, sending Les Bleus into the World Cup final against perennial powerhouse Argentina. The Frenchmen, winners of soccer's most coveted trophy in 1998 and 2018, are seeking to become the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since Brazil did in 1958 and 1962. "In four days, we're going to play for a world title and we're really going to enjoy it." Morroco, which captured the world's imagination as the first African side to ever make the World Cup semifinals, will play for third place Saturday against 2018 runner-up Croatia. The next World Cup will be in North America in 2026 with the United States, Canada and Mexico serving as hosts.

☆ France Ends Morocco’s World Cup Fairy Tale With a 2-0 Win
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Joshua Robinson | Jonathan Clegg | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

AL KHOR, Qatar—The section of French fans inside Al Bayt stadium was barely perceptible, a small pocket of blue in a corner of the Qatari desert that could have passed for Casablanca. Any time a French player touched the ball, he was met by a wall of whistles. But by the end of Wednesday night, that was the only section singing. With a goal in each half, France had done what most soccer fans expected—end the Moroccan fairy tale in the semifinals of the World Cup. Les Bleus, the defending champions here, had won 2-0, despite a performance that was often staler than week-old croissants.

"I am sad and proud at the same time", said Thomas Bregas, a young Franco-Moroccan wrapped in a Morocco flag. Morocco had a shot at becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup final, but France are now poised to become the first team to retain their World Cup title in 60 years on Sunday. He added that Moroccans had nothing to be ashamed of after an "extraordinary" World Cup journey. In Paris, Police were gearing up for possible skirmishes, after scuffles followed last week's Moroccan quarter-final win over Portugal. Morocco fans in France had been in a celebratory frenzy ever since their team went on its historic World Cup journey, becoming the first African and Arab team to reach the last four in the global showpiece event.

☆ Analysis: Tactical masterplan, and grit, take France into World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Regragui had noted on Tuesday that France were tactical masters and able to adjust to any opponents as he praised Didier Deschamps as the best coach in the world. In previous games, Belgium, Spain and Portugal had been unable to match Morocco's grit, but on Wednesday, France showed they were also able to fight tooth and nail and rely on players going above and beyond. That wrapped a win that reminded everyone of France's tournament nous and that Argentina better come up with a masterplan of their own in Sunday's final at Lusail stadium. Just like Belgium were left frustrated by their defeat to France four years ago in Russia, Morocco might feel they were the better team on the day. Yet France once again barged into the final like a regular at a nightclub who gets in without a look from the bouncer.

☆ 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.”

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ As Mbappe takes back seat, old guard drives France on
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

DOHA, Dec 11 (Reuters) - As Kylian Mbappe was being muzzled by the England defence, it was France's old guard who took the defending champions through to the World Cup semi-finals in a nerve-racking 2-1 victory on Saturday. Griezmann capped his performance with two assists, the first for Aurelien Tchouameni's first-half thunderbolt, and the second for Giroud's 78th-minute winner. Griezmann has now set up 28 France goals, more than any other player, on his record 72nd consecutive appearance. It was, possibly, the biggest takeaway from France's victory. France next face Morocco, with Mbappe set to battle it out with club team mate and great friend Achraf Hakimi, as Les Bleus look to become the first team to retain their World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.

DOHA, Dec 8 (Reuters) - All eyes will be on Kylian Mbappe once again as France take on England in a mouthwatering World Cup quarter-final clash but the defending champions must hope their lack of options from the bench will not be exposed on Saturday. WALKER v MBAPPEOne of the strengths that has emerged through the tournament is England’s depth. Their tally of 12 goals – equalling their World Cup best set from three more matches in 2018 – has been achieved via eight players. While the goalscorers grab the headlines, Southgate made sure he complimented his defenders after the last 16 match as his side chalked up a third successive World Cup clean sheet for the first time in 20 years. One thing that should be a given is that England will not be overawed by the occasion after their recent runs to the last four of the 2018 World Cup and final of Euro 2020.

☆ World Cup quarterfinals: Qualifying teams, fixtures and schedule
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Alasdair Howorth | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —We are waiting on two teams to qualify for the World Cup quarterfinals, but six have already booked their places in the last eight. ETWhere: Education City StadiumAccording to Opta, Croatia has a 2.86% chance of winning the World Cup. But this team looks like it could be the first since 2002 to bring the World Cup trophy back to its spiritual home. ETWhere: Al Bayt StadiumAccording to Opta, England has a 18.83% chance of winning the World Cup. Which begs the question: is this the best England team since 1966, when it last won thee World?

☆ Croatia beats Japan on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +28 min

CNN —Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made himself a national hero as Croatia beat Japan on penalties 1-1 (3-1) to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. Marko Djurica/ReutersJapan’s heartbreakDespite its defeat, Japan can look back at an impressive World Cup campaign. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Mbappé was one of the leading stars of the team's World Cup triumph four years ago. He also became just the third goalkeeper to save three penalties in a single World Cup shootout.

☆ Kylian Mbappé continues record-setting pace in France’s World Cup round of 16 victory
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

The team booked its ticket to the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Poland. But, the star of the show on Sunday was Kylian Mbappé, who continued his record-setting pace with an emphatic double. France's Olivier Giroud celebrates with Kylian Mbappé after scoring the opening goal against Poland at the 2022 World Cup. Having helped secure the nation’s second World Cup title in 2018 as a 19-year-old, he is continuing his domination four years later. Both Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo have eight World Cup goals to their names.

☆ Analysis: Age gap no problem for France's deadly striking duo
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( William Schomberg | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Giroud looked set for a secondary role for France until the team's number one centre forward Karim Benzema pulled out with an injury on the even of the tournament. That understanding was clear for all to see as Poland were cut apart by France's strikers. "It's still a long way to go and, obviously, you need to enjoy the game," he said. "If we attack, try to attack, it's a bit different. Additional reporting by Bartosz Dąbrowski in Gdansk, Poland; Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Record Giroud, sublime Mbappe send France into quarter-finals with Poland win
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"It's not been easy because they're a well-organised team and we had to make some positional changes at halftime," said Deschamps. Poland's poise came close to being rewarded in the 38th minute when the onrushing Zielinski's shot was parried by Lloris. Jakub Kaminski followed, only for his shot to be saved close to the goal-line by Raphael Varane. NINE WORLD CUP GOALSOne minute from the break, however, France's tactics paid off. Mbappe now has nine World Cup goals to his name, as many as Argentina's 35-year-old Lionel Messi, and became the first player to reach that mark before his 24th birthday.

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