France ends Morocco's historic run at the World Cup. The international press is not euphoric, but appreciates the great quality of the defending champions - a team "that doesn't shine but also doesn't forgive."
The finalists at the World Cup in Qatar have been determined. After Argentina against Croatia, France also beat Morocco in the semifinals. The international media write:
Le Matin: "After an incredible campaign in which they fought their way up to the highest quartet in the World Cup, the Moroccan national team finally failed at the foot of the final on Wednesday at the Al Bayt stadium, losing to France. The experience of the reigning world champions and his Trainers prevailed in the end. Following in the footsteps of another team from Group F (Croatia), the Moroccan national team couldn't keep up with France."
L'Opinion: "The experience of the tricolor and the naivety of the Moroccans were decisive. The game ended in a defeat that the lions of the Atlas didn't deserve, because their performance was more than satisfactory with a run that won not only the Moroccans but also honored all of Africa and the Arab-Muslim world."
Yabiladi: "After a historic qualification for the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco was beaten by France on Wednesday. The Atlas Lions meet Croatia again in the match for third place. After an extraordinary encounter, the luck of the national team has not smiled. "
RMC Sport: "Ultra-solid in defense against Morocco in the semi-finals of the World Cup, France is rediscovering the same values that brought them luck in 2018."
Le Monde: "Four years after their title in Russia, the Bleus meet Argentina's Lionel Messis on Sunday to secure their third accession to the throne in their World Cup history. Les Bleus beat Morocco in a long-running semi-final."
L'Équipe: "Didier Deschamps' Les Bleus now go on to conquer a third crown by defending their title in a dream final against the Argentina of a Messi on a mission. With an impressive skill, able to suffer without bowing, impenetrable against the pressure of an audience that was on the side of the opponent, the tricolore collective managed to put an end to the crazy epic of Morocco."
Clarín: "France is a strange team. They always seem smaller than they really are or what the numbers or some people say they are. They opened the game with a goal after five minutes and then gave the ball to Morocco until the Overconfidence in their defensive security. Aside from a few absences and new names, France appear to be essentially the same side as they were four years ago. A practical side, sober to the point of excess, who don't shine but aren't forgiving either."
La Nación: "Rarely, very rarely, a team can scare. Here, at the Al Bait stadium, the cuckoo of the Qatar 2022 World Cup froze the hot hearts of thousands of Moroccans. They whistled at them, they shouted at them, they they booed, but nothing can scare the France team."
