” Final goal! is the great title of the Parisian. ” History is at their doorstep: there is only one dream in this World Cup. Who from France or Morocco will have the right to live it, at the end of an uncertain semi-final, between a tricolor selection which knows everything about this altitude and that of Morocco which seems unstoppable in Qatar? »
” Three stars in the eyes “, spear The Team in One. Indeed, the green star of the Cherifian kingdom and the two golden stars on the jersey of the Blues, that makes three… “ The Blues will be facing a red and deafening sea “, continues The Team. “ They will be confronted this evening with the extraordinary popular momentum which carries Morocco and with a defensive organization which gave the migraine to all the favorites. (…) This semi-final will be carried, at the Al-Khor stadium, by a great Arab and African breath, and beyond, because this upset autumn loves these improbable heroes, and because so many French people have two loves, like Joséphine Baker. »
DD determined!
So faced with this iron defense, the Blues will be on the attack exclaims Le Figaro. “ Because Didier Deschamps think of only one thing: to eliminate Morocco, this Wednesday evening, during the seventh semi-final (1958, 1982, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2018) disputed by the French team in a World Cup and glean a third planetary trophy. Captain of the 1998 epic, then coach of the heroes of 2018, “DD” is not satisfied, affirms Le Figaro. Never. On the contrary, with a group made up of a clever mix of old grognards charmed by a final dance and young heirs thirsty for success, the boss of the Blues remains guided by this fierce appetite to mark the history of his sport. And of his country. Two games away from retaining the global title, a real feat achieved only twice, by Italy (1934-1938) and Brazil (1958-1962), the opportunity is too good to miss. And settling for a place in the last four is not part of the vocabulary of this French team whose ambition has continued to grow since its arrival in Qatar on November 16. »
So close, so far…
Releasefor its part, reminds us of the political background of this match: with ” the many differences that have poisoned relations between Paris and Rabat in recent years: restrictions in the issuance of French visas, benevolent visit by Emmanuel Macron to neighboring Algeria, the Pegasus affair… The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, is expected tomorrow Thursday in the kingdom to defuse these tensions, and the least we can say is that the timing is excellent, point Liberation: the Moroccan selection therefore challenges the French world champions tonight for a place in the final, and this match has awakened strong emotions in both countries. For Francophile Moroccans, who are still very influential in the kingdom, this is a belated recognition of equality with the former colonial power, if not a certain superiority: after all, remark Libé, doesn’t the entire Arab world vibrate for the Atlas Lions, the Tom Thumb who threatens the greatest? For the French with Moroccan roots, the poster for this match is also a reflection of their dual culture, source of their strength and creativity, and it appeases a number of superfluous questions.. »
So, ” at the end of the race, concludes Release, everyone understands that there will be only one winner. Come on, let’s stay on the neutral and benevolent formula: and may the best win. »
“The sadness of losers…”
Exactly, we come back to Parisian who asked actor Omar Sy what his prognosis was…” I have two favourites, he answers. It is the winner of this semi-final that interests us. The winner of France-Morocco will be my favourite. (…) At the end of this match, we will all be happy and a little disappointed. Whatever the outcome. Some will be happy for Morocco, and a little disappointed for France, or vice versa, says Omar Sy. I already know my state after the match. I will be in this double feeling. We will be shared. I will think of the players. And in both cases, we will be many to feel the sadness of the losers in particular. »